While the conventions of NWC art are normally strictly followed, many artists throughout the years have played with these ideas by deliberately breaking the rules.

What happens if the primary formlines are red, rather than black? What if you mix red and black primary form lines in one design?

What happens if you start with a black surface? Or a surface that is partially black?

What happens if you start with form lines that do not swell and diminish, but block off a section of the composition?

Can one combine naturalistic and conventionalized forms in one composition? This magnificent box drum combines several styles. The two sides of the drum are shown, first the black form line side, and secondly, the red form line side.

These two box designs are less successful, but still combine a variety of styles.

---

BACK TO THE SFU MUSEUM HOME PAGE

About these web pages.
Further readings on Northwest Coast art.