Panel depicting Wolf Moon, 2006
Moy Sutherland, Nuu-Chah-Nulth Nation
red cedar, cedar bark rope, operculum shell, abalone shell, pigment
28.5” high x 18.5” wide x 1.55” deep
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Morris (Moy) Sutherland is from Ahousaht, on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. He is of the Nuu-chah-nulth Nation. His native name is Hiish-Miik in Nuu-chah-nulth, which translates as someone who gets whatever they are after: fish, deer, whales, etc. His native name in Coast Salish is chi-outin or someone who helps. Born on January 4, 1974, he grew up steeped in his culture and its traditions. As a young man he worked in the forests of British Columbia where he always found strength and peace of mind. To this day, his culture remains his greatest source of inspiration.
In 1995, with encouragement from family and friends, Moy began his artistic career in Alert Bay, learning the principals of carving from the Kwa-kwakwala carver Joe Wilson. Upon mastering some basic techniques, he moved home to learn more about horizons. Over the period Moy has been carving, he has proven himself an intelligent and meticulous artist. Between the year 1997 and 2000, Moy worked with Victor and Carey Newman at the Blue Raven Gallery in Sooke BC.
Moy apprenticed with the renowned, award winning Nuu-chah-nulth artist Art Thompson until his passing away in 2002. With each new piece he is refining his personal style and expanding his artistic horizons.
Moy has the benefit of having learned from both Kwakiutl and Nuu-chah-nulth artists. He has used these experiences to broaden his understanding of all native art forms. Although he is very careful to stay within the traditional rules and values of his culture, he strives to find ways to set himself apart from other artists. He is exploring different media, such as gem setting in gold and silver, silkscreen prints, and larger works such as stone sculptures, totem poles and canoes. For Moy, art is very deeply rooted in his culture. He finds it both spiritually rewarding and educational.
Moy comes from a very traditionally rooted family where the Nuu-chah-nulth culture is a large part of everyday life. Aside from artwork, he is pursuing a degree in anthropology. Artwork and anthropology are natural interests for Moy, because both meet on a journey into the history of his people, a journey that will reach an ultimate destination when he discovers the essence of art and culture.
Moy’s work is in galleries, museums and private collections across Canada and in the United States.
Artist’s Quote:
“For me, the meaning of life is to learn of my cultural surroundings, so that this knowledge can be preserved and used in everyday life. Like our elders before us passed this knowledge on, so must we to our descendants. In this manner, respect becomes in integral part of life, respect for everything. I draw my knowledge and inspiration from the teachings of those whom I respect, and I incorporate these into everything I do.”
