Advent banners 44" x 80" each, acrylic on prepared tarpaper, 2013.

Twas in the moon of winter-time when all the birds had fled,
That mighty Gitchi Manitou sent angel choirs instead...

Attributed to Jean de Brebeuf in 1642, the hymn Huron Carol expressed the events of Advent in First Nations imagery. The banners for this liturgical season have a similar origin - their shape references a coastal long house, as well as the chancel of a church. Based on North Coast imagery, an unusually large star is visible above Mary and Joseph on their journey to Bethlehem; on the West Coast, three ravens turn towards it at dusk. Also known as a curious trickster, Raven brought light, water and fire to the world in many stories from West Coast mythology. Like the magi in Biblical times, the raven clan holds a high social position. Throughout the banners, the Advent colour of blue symbolizes hope and waiting.

Prepared for West Vancouver United Church.