INDIGENOUS inspiration By Denis Langlois
Celebrated Indigenous artist Phil Gray ’ s work can
be found in private collections around the world as well as in galleries , museums , books , logos , on traditional regalia and even on an Olympic gold medalist ’ s helmet .
And now , the British Columbia resident ’ s striking eagle designs adorn the arms of two eyewear frames , thanks to a collaboration with AYA Optical .
“ I am proud to support and celebrate the rich Northwest Coast Tsimshian heritage with this exciting Phil Gray capsule launch ,” says designer Carla D ’ Angelo .
Gray , a Northwest Coast Ts ’ msyen artist who was born and raised in Vancouver , has been carving in the traditional Tsimshian style since 1999 . His work is recognized for being amongst the most creative , innovative traditional art in the contemporary Northwest Coast art world .
His eagle designs can be found on the collection ’ s modern unisex wayfarer style Gabe and the squareshaped frame Justin . Both styles are available in two colourways .
18 OPTICAL PRISM | November 2020