About the Blue Jay
Indigenous Business Leadership Program
Image: Blue Jay
Artist: Chris Paul
In our Saanich culture, Bluejay was once a woman, who in her human form, used to toil hard every year and put preserves away.
She would collect berries for the winter. Week after week, you would see her amongst the bushes or in the forest, her back bent over, her baskets full, her hands stained blue. She was well known amongst her people for being a very very hard worker with a home that reflected her good deeds, one that was tidy, sorted, and well swept.
The Creator, saw her as the perfect example to her people. As a reminder to work hard, to show respect, to practice cleanliness and reverence. One Autumn, her blue hands turned into the indigo wings of a Blue Jay.
This time of the year, after the autumn equinox, is a special time of the year. You literally look down at your hands and see for yourself if you have worked hard.
The bluejay’s call to us each Fall and says in shrill voice, “Are you ready? Are you ready for winter? Have you prepared for the cold season ahead?”
She’s like a messenger. Heed her warning, to always do your best.
About the Artist
Chris Paul is a Native Artist, born on the west coast of Canada. He is a member of the Tsartlip First Nations whose home lands are near Victoria, British Columbia. His is a culture rich in stories and traditions. Chris’ prints have been featured in the TV show “Grey’s Anatomy” and the movie “The Last Mimsy”.
Recently Chris has produced large-scale glass installations for the Pier and Gulf Islands buildings. Chris has always been involved with art. He formalized his interest by taking a course in Native art at ‘Ksan Art School. Subsequently he apprenticed with Roy Henry Vickers, a world-famous Native artist following the tradition of northwest coast heritage. Chris derives his inspiration from two main sources; an in-depth understanding of the heritage and traditions of his people, and events in his daily life, such as the births of his children. This combination gives his work traditional style yet also makes it relevant to today’s audience. His use of strong, modern colours gives his prints global appeal. His bold designs and clean lines have lent themselves well to expression in wood and, more recently, glass.
In his words, “I already have more ideas than I can ever realize in a lifetime."
