Through the Eye of the Raven, 2010, preliminary renderings by Richard Tetrault, with contributing artists, seen on the @Vancouver125 bicycle tour held October 1 and 2, 2011. The mural is located on the west-facing wall of the renovated Orwell Hotel on Hastings Street, covers close to 8000 square feet, and is perhaps the largest mural in Western Canada. The team of artists who worked on the project include: Jerry Whitehead, Richard Shorty, Haisla Collins, Sharifa Marsden and Richard Tetrault, with image of ‘Looking Forward Looking back’ (circle image) by Eric Parnell, poetry by Nicola Campbell. The third photo in the series above was taken by RC Helicopter and stitched together.
Further info on the murals from the new website initiative featuring in depth information on the city’s street murals program, vancouvermurals.ca.
The Raven Dancer, dressed in a traditional button robe, holds the ‘Looking Forward, Looking Back’ symbol, signifying the importance of the past when viewing the present, and looking to the future. In ‘Through the Eye of the Raven,’ the light of day is cast upon what, for many on Vancouver’s Eastside, is a dark and forbidding place. Yet the Raven sees past the troubles of this time, alighting upon the sacred canoe of the Coast Salish and reminding us of the rich and powerful heritage that is the birthright of Aboriginal people. Salish serpents and patterned braids frame the mural, while animals walk along the hem of Raven’s blanket. This button blanket enfolds both the terror of the residential school system, as well as the strength and courage of those who stand up and speak for justice. Finally, the hummingbird, a Tutchone symbol of hope, flies above the Vancouver cityscape towards the light.
