OPTICAL PRISM | ON THE COVER
PHIL GRAY , Indigenous Artist
Recently , we spoke with Phil Gray about his artwork and the collaboration with AYA Optical .
Q . Please tell us more about the designs that will be featured on these frames ?
A . The eagle design for these glasses was originally created on my phone using a stylus . Once I was able to refine the design , I had it vectorized so it could be easily interpreted for production .
It is done in my people ’ s style , classical Ts ’ mysen formline design . Similar to other types of formline you would see on the Northwest Coast , but ours has its own unique characteristics . I wanted to make sure that the overall design would compliment the curvature of the frame .
Q . And the eagle , can you share with us the significance of this bird for Indigenous people ?
A . The significance of eagles can differ from nation to nation , but there are a few things that seem to be fairly common . They usually represent wisdom , strength and a sense of freedom .
JUSTIN
GABE
Considering they are the highest-flying birds , most view them as being the closest to the creator .
Eagles have been used as an example of great sight by many cultures , but they are also perceived to have a certain spiritual clarity .
The eagle has a personal significance to me because my great-great grandfather on my Cree side carries the name Mikisew , which translates to “ the call of the eagle ” in the woodlands Cree language . Our band was named Mikisew after him because he was an important part of the treaty process with the Dené and the government .
Q . How did this collaboration between yourself and AYA Optical come about ?
A . Designer Carla D ’ Angelo reached out to me saying that she was a fan of my art and asked about the possibility of a collaboration . After doing a bit of research , we had an in-person meeting where she laid out her vision and was very accommodating
QUICK FACTS
• AYA Optical has been producing frames with Indigenous art since 2003 .
• The brand supports One X One ’ s First Nations School Breakfast program .
• AYA distributes eyewear in remote communities .
• Artists who collaborate with AYA are paid a commission and royalties .
• The Phil Gray collection is available at claudiaalan . com and select opticians and museums across North America , including Hollyburn Optical in North Vancouver , and Lakeland Eyecare in St . Paul , Alta .
to my concerns and expectations . I am very happy with how this has turned out .
Q . Why is this collaboration important / significant to you ?
cCollaborations with companies like AYA Optical give me the opportunity to share my art with a larger audience . Most of my art is expressed through sculpture , but you can ’ t get the same level of exposure because it is not as accessible as wearable art .
I can be fairly particular when I choose to collaborate with a company ; their standard for quality and their values must align with mine . AYA Optical is philanthropic , their focus on Indigenous art and the way they represent the artists they collaborate with , made my decision easy . OP
OPTICAL PRISM | November 2020 19