7. Dogfish and Spirit (1978)

Norman was born in 1941 in the northern community of Kincolith, British Columbia. He learned from his family protocols, oral histories and ceremonies and had an early interest in the arts. He carved the 16.5-metre (55-foot) totem pole for the entranceway to the Field Museum in Chicago and a totem pole commissioned by the British royal family for Bushy Park in London. He has carved and ceremonially raised five totem poles in Greater Vancouver, including at the University of British Columbia Museum of Anthropology, Stanley Park, Capilano Mall and the Native Education Centre. He has conducted extensive research into Nisga'a art and is the foremost Nisga'a artist in wood, precious metals and graphics.

In 1991, Lucinda Turner (b.1958) began with Norman an apprenticeship that has evolved into a working relationship, collaborating on numerous pieces while both artists also produce pieces independently. They completed two major sculpture commissions for the Vancouver Stock Exchange as well as many private commissions. Their work has been included in many of the exhibitions and publications documenting the contemporary art form.

—excerpt from Manawa—Pacific Heartbeat

©2005 Spirit Wrestler Gallery

• son: Isaac Tait
• brother: Robert Tait