People Among the People

This book highlights the impact of Susan Point on Coast Salish art, showcasing her public works and the cultural significance behind them.

Susan Point’s distinctive artworks have played a crucial role in the revival of the traditional Coast Salish art style, which had nearly faded away due to colonization. The vibrant crescents, wedges, and forms inspired by both human and animal figures that characterize the art of Indigenous peoples around the Salish Sea are now celebrated globally. Point’s innovative use of modern materials and techniques in her serigraphs and public art installations has not only revitalized this art form but also inspired a new generation of artists to embrace and continue this rich cultural heritage.

People Among the People offers an in-depth exploration of Susan Point’s public art, showcasing a wide array of her creations, from intricately designed cast-iron manhole covers to grand carved cedar spindle whorls. These installations can be found in diverse locations, stretching from Vancouver to Zurich. Through thorough interviews and exclusive access to Point’s archives, Robert D. Watt narrates the journey of each artwork, detailing the transformation from initial sketches to final pieces, while also delving into the significance of the imagery and symbolism rooted in traditional Salish works and the Oral Traditions passed down through Point’s Musqueam family and elders.

Throughout her dedicated efforts to re-establish a Coast Salish presence in Southwest British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest, Point has garnered numerous accolades, including the prestigious Order of Canada and the Audain Lifetime Achievement Award. This beautifully crafted book highlights her remarkable contributions and makes it evident that these honors are well-deserved.