January is the perfect month to start something new, which is why a spotlight is focused on one of the newest galleries on the Sunshine Coast. The Whereabouts Gallery – the brainchild of George Morice – exists on the road and in cyberspace, showcasing works by native artists from George’s hometown of Burns Lake all the way down to Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast. “On the road” means George travels looking for artists and products to bring to light.
“The vision of the Whereabouts Gallery is that Native artists living in areas where the forest industry is declining are inspired to continue creating in traditional ways (for) a demonstrated international market,” George explains.
The “international” aspect is possibly the most interesting. Although the USA isn’t ruled out, the gallery’s main overseas market is Germany, thanks in large part to 19th century author Karl May (pronounced “My”) who wrote about the American Southwest, although he had never been there. A convicted thief and swindler, May had visited North America for four months, but spent most of his writing time in jail. The result was a series of books, still in print, that have sold over 100 million copies and been read by Albert Einstein and Helmut Kohl, among others.
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Discovering a collection of accounts and documents about the “Wild West” in the prison library, May used these to fuel a series of his own novels similar to the Lone Ranger, but where the main character wasn’t a white cowboy, but a native American. The series became so popular in Germany that even now, there re regular parties where the participants dress in Western or First Nations reglia and act out the old West lifestyle. Many German citizens make regular pilgrimages to North America for a taste of authentic native cultural experiences.
George hopes to build on this ready-made market, encouraging First Nations artists that they can continue using old-style methods (as well as modern technology) to keep the cultural artistic traditions alive and even make a living as well. The products include but are not limited to moose-hide moccasins, paintings, carvings, and beaded clothing, all which can be made-to-order by the local artists. By making partnerships with other galleries and tourist attractions in BC, and with the aid of community resources, George plans to inspire in Native artists the same kind of love for their heritage as can be seen in a people thousands of miles away in Europe.
The Whereabouts Gallery is available online, with images, links, and artist profiles. Contact George Morice at 1-604-338-2690.
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