As time passes quickly, distance begins to separate us, and relationships are lost. We are still woven together in a complex tapestry, like a river and it's tributaries. Even if our encounters are fleeting or endured, they still shape who we become. We often forget how powerful and primal, our bonds are. Although we may not be blood, our shared experiences can bind us to each other. Susan Point's carving, "The First People," shows us that although time and space may separate us, we are all connected. .
The connections between us are shown in this intricately carved work of art, commissioned by the Seattle Art Museum in 2008. It is comprised of red and yellow cedar squares, that have been accented with paint in dark tones of chocolate brown, mahogany, and black with a greenish hue. They are joined together like a puzzle, to form this glorious expression of love for her history and culture. Her choice of materials fits into the overall theme of the piece. The red cedar has long since been considered to be the, "tree of life," by the Salish. Although the 144" by 108" carving is said to represent the branching waterways of the Fraser River Valley, where many Salish people thrive, it can also been seen as a family tree. It shows 8 faces representing generations of the Salish, and how they are all still bound together over centuries. .
The artist is a member of the Musqueam tribe, that calls the Fraser Delta home. A translation of the word Musqueam is, "River Grass," which she eloquently, yet understatedly, has woven into her carving. The rivers hold a sacred lifeline for the people of that region. They bear salmon, and many other foods, and nourish the plant life that encompasses the rivers and streams. These materials are used to weave baskets, make clothing, medicines, and tools. They build their homes and community buildings with these gifts from the Creator. Without the rivers and surrounding land, their way of life would be altered.