Paddle Deconstructed

Cedar and Iron are the materials that formed the backbones of two great civilizations, their meeting on the west coast of the ‘new world’ was one that heralded the destruction of one of those civilizations, and the legacy of iron here in North America is one of pain and loss. The collaboration of Moy Sutherland Jr and Jake James brings together these two opposing materials in a way that has not been done before. We combine the narrative traditions of the Nuu-chah-nulth First nation with the structural possibilities of forged iron, seeking to re-interpret old stories, and begin to tell new ones.

Paddle Deconstructed is commentary on the changing nature of our worlds. Traditionally a tool of control, for motion and steerage, the paddle here is radically changed, carved and decorative, but also cut apart and rebuilt. It’s form still is that of a paddle, but it is now inextricably tied together with the forged steel components… it’s original purpose forever altered.