“My Heron started out as a six inch by two-inch sketch so to see it on such a grand scale on a BC Ferries’ vessel is amazing,” said Penelakut First Nation artist Maynard Johnny Jr.
It’s the first time Johnny Jr, who’s Indigenous name is Thii Hayqwtun, has seen his masterpiece on a ship-sized canvas. The wings, tail and beak of Johnny Jr’s Salish Heron is essentially the size of a seven storey building laid on its side and replicated around the expansive hull of the ship. It leaves a massive impression, not just for him but for his family too who were on hand at BC Ferries’ Fleet Maintenance Unit in Richmond for a private viewing before the vessel goes into service this Spring.
“I’m hoping that my daughter and grandchildren will see the Salish Heron and know that you can achieve something special when you put your mind to it,” adds Maynard Johnny Jr. “When they see my art on such a grand scale, I hope they’re influenced by it and have ambition to chase their goals. I’ve always wanted to influence my daughter and grandchildren to move forward in a positive way.”
It’s not an arduous journey to travel from Maynard Johnny Jr.’s Duncan studio to the canvas of his latest creation in Richmond, but distance doesn’t tell the story. The Heron represents nearly three decades of dedication to the Coast Salish style. The time, patience, and energy to master the two dimensional design is what helped separate him from 36 other candidates who were vying for the opportunity to create the Salish Heron piece.
Maynard Johnny Jr. drew inspiration for the art from the herons that reside throughout the west coast. Traditionally the birds have been guides to where the fish were abundant so Johnny Jr. used his signature style to create something that would honour that Coast Salish living relationship with the Salish Sea. The Heron is scheduled to enter service in the Southern Gulf Islands in the spring.
Maynard Johnny Jr. with daughter Anola Johnny and grandson in front of Salish Heron (Image Courtesy: BC Ferries)
“The idea is to send a message to the people of British Columbia, Canada and the world that Indigenous People have been here since time immemorial,” says Johnny Jr. “That’s the message I want to share with people travelling on the Salish Heron. Introducing the Salish Heron and three other Salish ferries with Indigenous art to the BC Ferries fleet is a step forward. It’s a small step but every step counts.”
Salish Heron is the fourth Salish class vessel to be bestowed with Indigenous art. The name and artwork honours and recognizes the Coast Salish as the original mariners of the Salish Sea and represents both the land and culture of British Columbia, and the west coast travel experience.
The Salish Heron is identical to the three Salish Class ferries built for BC Ferries in 2016, with capacity to carry at least 138 vehicles and up to 600 passengers and crew.
Maynard Johnny Jr.’s design on the side of the Salish Heron
