MOUNTAIN LIFE - Coast Mountains | Fall / Winter 2017

78 MLCM FALL/WINTER 2017 “I try to make my work both very complex and very simple at the same time. I want viewers to try and figure out what is going on. I want my work to start a conversation or an argument and would like for someone to discover something about my culture or possibly themselves.” Hunt credits his love of the art form with helping him to rediscover his culture and his very close bond within a family, and Nation, of artists. “I see myself as just a part of a continuum,” he says. “I am carrying on doing what my ancestors did before me. Using the same language of art as they once did and continuing the tradition of teaching, recording knowledge, and passing on our history through art to the next generation. Times change and so the work has changed to reflect the times.” Times are certainly changing for Hunt, having just welcomed a son into the world. He is excited to begin teaching his first child the ways of his artistic family as most of his immediate family are artists as well. While Hunt’s father taught him the ways of his history, his mother has been his strongest supporter and most vocal critic. This is the life he has always known, following in the footsteps of his ancestors and creating his own path. Now he says it is his turn to lead the way. “My son will grow up in the same type of environment. One of fearless inquisitiveness, expression and creativity.” shawnhunt.net