{"title":"Quinn James","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(31, 33, 36);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"\u003eBorn in the Comox Valley, Quinn James (Quineesh) is a wood carver and artist of Kwakwaka’wakw ancestry. His native name Quineesh, meaning “White Whale”, and is the name of a legendary glacier in Comox Valley that saved the natives from the great flood. While growing up, Quinn regularly attended potlatches and was taught the cultural ways of his people through his father, Simon Dick James. Growing up in a carving shop, Quinn learned how to use traditional carving tools at a very young age. Under the supervision of his father, Quinn carved his first mask at the age of 12.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"\u003eQuinn is well versed in the practice of his culture's traditional carving techniques and protocols. Quinn blends a unique contemporary art style with traditional Kwakwaka’wakw formline. The tradition of mask carving is passed down through generations and is rarely adhered to in modern times. Quinn strives to honor this disappearing knowledge.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"\u003eQuinn has danced in traditional regalia and has performed the Raven Transformation dance, utilizing the age-old rigging system for dance masks. The experience of dancing with a mask has enhanced his artwork because he understands the importance of a fully functional dance mask, as opposed to one that is only decorative. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"\u003eSpending time in carving shops all of his life, Quinn’s art has been influenced by artists such as Simon Dick James, Beau Dick, Ian Reid, and Junior Henderson. In addition to carving masks, Quinn has assisted his family with the carving and restoration of totem poles. Quinn finished his first 8ft solo totem pole on September 30, 2021, the first National Truth and Reconciliation Day, which was well received by his clients. In the near future, Quinn aspires to take on apprentices to help teach native youth, culture, business, and independence. Quinn wants to inspire others and share creative freedom.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"plaque-orca-3","title":"Plaque - Orca","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eOrca (Maxinux), \u003c\/em\u003e2026\u003cbr\u003eQuinn James, Kwakwaka'wakw\u003cbr\u003eYellow cedar and manila rope\u003cbr\u003e38.5\" diameter, 1.5\" thick\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e-------------------------------------------------\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;\"\u003e\"This piece reflects the whale not only as a symbol, but as a living connection between worlds.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;\"\u003eIn Kwakwaka’wakw belief, whales are protectors and messengers. Oral history tells of a time when a whale warned an elder on Village Island of approaching danger, allowing the community to prepare and survive.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;\"\u003eThere is also a deeper understanding: those who are lost to the ocean are not gone—they return as whales. This belief is reinforced through lived experience, as whales are often present during ocean ceremonies, especially when ashes are spread.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; color: black;\"\u003eTo own this piece is to hold a story of protection, transformation, and continuity—where the line between human and animal no longer exists.\" - Quinn James\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Quinn James","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47694983626978,"sku":null,"price":6000.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0400\/2465\/files\/quinnorca.jpg?v=1776382921"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0400\/2465\/collections\/quinnorca_cc333572-6801-435d-a15b-da930802818e.jpg?v=1776461392","url":"https:\/\/ihosgallery.com\/collections\/quinn-james\/plaques.oembed","provider":"I-Hos Gallery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}