For this assignment, I designed a beaver artwork inspired by Coast Salish art, incorporating traditional shapes such as circles, ovals, crescents, and U-forms. These elements, commonly found in Indigenous art, create a sense of movement and balance. I first sketched the shapes by hand on my beaver template, then transformed it into a digital version. This process deepened my understanding of Coast Salish artistic techniques and symbolism, allowing me to connect more meaningfully with its cultural traditions.

Through this art assignment, my awareness of Coast Salish art in our community has grown significantly. I have learned to recognize the key design elements, such as circles, ovals, crescents, and U-forms, that make this style unique. Before, I didn’t realize how common these shapes are in public art around the city, but now I notice them in murals, signs, and even on Indigenous-designed clothing. For example, I recently saw a Coast Salish-inspired mural at a community center on the north shore, and I was able to identify the traditional shapes used in the design. This experience has given me a greater appreciation for Indigenous art and its presence in our everyday surroundings.