Alan Syliboy / Red Crane
(cwa) Choupique
http://www.redcrane.ca
shoopic
http://www.rcmint.ca/en/news/990122.1.html
Ottawa, January 22, 1998 - The Royal Canadian Mint has introduced a $200 22
karat gold coin featuring Mi'kmaq art. The coin depicts a butterfly in a
design incorporating the traditional Mi'kmaq double curve symbol of the
balance between the physical and spiritual worlds.
"Our Native Cultures and Traditions gold coin series features beautiful
original works by Canada's finest artists," said Danielle Wetherup,
President of the Royal Canadian Mint. "The Butterfly coin reflects the
richness of Mi'kmaw traditions and the fine talent the Mi'kmaw bring to
Canada's artistic heritage."
Mi'kmaq artist Alan Syliboy of Nova Scotia drew his inspiration for the
design on the reverse of the coin from the rock drawings or petroglyphs of
Kejimkujik Park, Nova Scotia. The double curve butterfly design is
surrounded by other ancient petroglyph symbols such as the five pointed
start symbolizing eternity, and the fir branch representing prosperity. The
obverse depicts an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Canadian
artist Dora de Pédery-Hunt, surrounded by the inscription 200 Dollars,
Canada, 1998, Elizabeth II.
The 1999 Butterfly $200 gold coin is the third in a series of four coins
celebrating Canada's Native Cultures and Traditions. The Mint will produce
25,000 of the Butterfly coins which are available encapsulated, in a
no-frills shipper or encapsulated and presented in an elegant metal trimmed
case and protective box. Both packaging options for the coins include a
numbered certificate of authenticity from the Mint. The Royal Canadian Mint
also commissioned a collector box created by native artist Mary Anne
Barkhouse to house all four coins and their accompanying certificates. The
coins are available directly from the Mint by calling 1-800-267-1871 in
Canada, 1-800-268-6468 in the United States, for $414.95 ($274.95 US) with
the case, $409.95 ($271.95 US) without the case. The four coin case is
available for $79.95 ($52.95 US). The coins are also available from the
Royal Canadian Mint's global network of dealers and distributors.
The Royal Canadian Mint is the Crown Corporation responsible for the minting
and distribution of Canada's circulation coins. The Royal Canadian Mint is
recognized as one of the largest and most versatile mints in the world,
offering a wide range of specialized, high quality coinage products and
related services on an international scale.
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http://www.rcmint.ca/en/news/990122.1.back.html
THE BUTTERFLY" $200 22 KARAT GOLD COIN
THEME
The art of Mi'kmaq artist, Alan Syliboy of Nova Scotia, is inspired by the
ancient Mi'kmaw symbols found on the incised rock drawings or petroglyphs of
Kejimkujik Park, Nova Scotia.
The central double-curve design, stylized as a butterfly by Syliboy, is the
most important symbol for the Mi'kmaw who view it as a symbol of balance
between the physical and the spiritual worlds. It is based on the
"fiddlehead" or the young fern plant that grows in the spring. It symbolizes
life with its strength, its flexibility, its beauty and its cyclical nature.
Syliboy's embellishment of the double-curve design with spirals and
geometric patterns is his trademark providing the overall Mi'kmaw design
with exhilarating and modern aesthetics.
The double-curve design is surrounded by other ancient petroglyph symbols
such as the five-pointed star that symbolizes eternity, the fir branch for
prosperity in life and seven iconographic symbols reminiscent of the early
Mi'kmaw hieroglyphic prayer books of the 17th century. The cross-hatching
effect which completes the full design is reminiscent of the incised
carvings done on wooden tools and boxes of the ancient Mi'kmaw.
This coin is the third of a four-coin set called "Native Cultures and
Traditions," which the Royal Canadian Mint, in partnership with the Canadian
Museum of Civilization, will produce between 1997 and 2000. The purpose of
the series is to promote awareness of contemporary First Nations art.
ARTIST
Alan Syliboy originally found painting painful and difficult because he was
unsure of his own identity. As his exploration of painting and his
understanding of Mi'kmaq spiritualism expanded, his confidence and ability
grew with it. He feels that he has gained the inner strength to
conceptualize his spiritualism. Simplicity of line and colour and
uncomplicated symbolism now gives his work a cleanness and strength. Form
this point of beginning, he incorporates new themes and mediums to ensure
his artistic progression. Elements of Mi'kmaq petroglyph records found
throughout Nova Scotia provided some inspiration for the developing of his
general theme, which is his expression of the pride and understanding
attached to his cultural heritage. Most of his subjects deal with family,
searching, struggle, and strength. All these things are part of his art, and
his art gives him strength for his continuing spiritual quest.
In 1975, he attended Nova Scotia College of Art and Design. Between 1983 to
1996, he did solo and group exhibitions in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and
Toronto. In 1989, he established Red Crane enterprises to produce and
distribute Native art.