About the artist
Rooted in Sidney, British Columbia, QandnessInc honours Coast Salish traditions through authentic carved masks and acrylic canvas paintings. Discover the living history, spiritual connection, and stories woven into each piece.
The creative process: from vision to wood and canvas
Every creation begins with a spiritual visualization—an animal that comes to mind through lived experiences and connection to spirit. For carved masks, I work with traditional red cedar, a sacred wood long revered by our people for clothing, transportation, and protection because of its resilience and mould resistance. For paintings, high-quality canvas allows dynamic acrylic forms to showcase these traditional narratives.
Honouring our history and keeping tradition alive
My inspiration comes directly from our elders and ancestors who created Coast Salish art generations before me. During colonization, so much of our culture, traditions, and ceremonial dances were suppressed, and sacred pieces were confiscated for distant museum displays. Today, while we preserve sacred ceremonies for our people, our shared artwork serves as a vibrant bridge to educate non-Indigenous communities, share our stories, and foster deep cultural understanding.
Carrying protection and pride into your home
When someone welcomes a piece of Coast Salish art into their space, it creates an immediate sense of connectedness, cultural pride, and sanctuary. In our traditions, animal figures represent spiritual guardians. Displayed on your wall, each carved mask and painting carries that enduring intention of protection and mindful presence into everyday life.
"Having this cedar carving in our home brings an incredible feeling of warmth, cultural respect, and protection every single day."
Private collector, Vancouver Island