Between Mist and Memory

Chapter I • Voices of the Skeena

Every artwork begins with a story.

Between Mist and Memory is the opening chapter of my contemporary Gitxsan collection, Voices of the Skeena. Inspired by the enduring relationship between our people, our territory, and the Skeena River, known to us as Xsan, this piece reflects the living spirit of Gitxsan identity. It is about memory, responsibility, and belonging, reminding us that our stories are not confined to the past. They continue to live through every generation that remembers them.

Limited Edition Collection

Between Mist and Memory is one of three original artworks that together form Chapter I of the Voices of the Skeena collection.

Each artwork in this chapter is released as a limited edition of only 50 hand-signed and numbered fine art prints worldwide. Once all 50 editions have been collected, no additional prints of this artwork will ever be produced.

Every collector receives an officially numbered print, personally signed by the artist, accompanied by the story of the artwork and its place within the collection.

The Story Behind the Artwork

As morning mist rises from Xsan, the world becomes quiet enough to hear the voices carried through time.

A Gitxsan man sits surrounded by the teachings that have shaped him. The salmon in his hands represents renewal and the generations sustained by the river. Raven moves between the earthly and spiritual worlds, carrying wisdom beyond what can be seen. The carved pole stands as a reminder that identity is never carried alone, it is held by family, House, ancestors, and the responsibilities entrusted to us.

The mountains remain unchanged while generations come and go. The river continues to flow. The salmon continue to return. Through them, our connection to the land endures.

This artwork reflects the Gitxsan understanding that we belong to our territory as much as it belongs to us. The river, forests, and mountains are not simply where we live, they are part of who we are.

Why Every Artwork Includes Its Story

Every original artwork I create includes a professionally printed story mounted on the back of the frame.

Each piece is presented in a floating glass sandwich frame so the artwork can be appreciated from both sides. The front invites you into the visual story. The back preserves the written story, the reflection, collection information, and artist details, creating a lasting record that remains with the artwork wherever its journey may lead.

My hope is that generations from now, someone will turn the artwork over and discover not only what they are looking at, but why it was created.

From the Artist

I don't create artwork simply to decorate walls.

I create visual stories inspired by Gitxsan Territory, our rivers, mountains, Adaawk, Wilp, and the responsibilities carried from one generation to the next.

Every painting becomes another chapter in a larger story that is still being written.

Every artwork is a reminder that our stories are still being written.

— Menk'xw (Mel Aksidan)

Gitxsan Nation