​PATRICK LEACH is a well established St’át’imc First Nation artist and ceramicist who is known for his uniquely carved ceramics which reflect P’egpig’7lha & Snuneymuxw territory landscapes, geometric basket and fishing patterns and ancient rock carvings. 

 

Patrick is of the P’egpig’7lha (Frog) clan from T’ít’q’et (Lillooet, British Columbia, Canada), one of the St’át’imc Nation's 11 communities, whose unceded territory is located centrally in the Fraser valley on the confluence of the Seton and Fraser Rivers. Patrick is also of Snuneymuxw First Nation heritage on his mother’s side. A First Nation of the Coast Salish People, the Snuneymuxw have resided on their unceded territories on the eastern coast of Vancouver Island, villages on the Fraser River and waterways in the Gulf Islands since time immemorial. 

While the P’egpig’7lha mainland interior territory is known for its breathtaking mountains, forests and abundant river and lake systems, to the southeast east, the territories of the Snuneymuxw encompass some of the most biodiverse waters at the heart of the Salish Sea which separates Vancouver Island from the Pacific Northwest Coast. 

 

Patrick's ceramics are created using a decoration technique called sgraffito, whereby the surface of the ceramics are carved into between various phases of glazing and firing to create images and patterns by revealing the raw clay underneath. This technique, though mostly attributed to 16th century European artistic traditions, can also be found in the history of Islamic pottery as well as throughout Africa and East Asia in countries such South Korea. The use of this technique aligns well with preeminent techniques for carving wood and stone which have been practised by Coast Salish & Interior Salish Peoples on the Pacific Northwest for over 5,000 years.  Patrick's choice to pursue  ceramics aims to further the development of these artforms and also to see the creation of objects known for their longevity that will aid in the preservation of distinctive St’át’imc cultural heritages. This includes imagery and motifs associated with Interior Salish basketry and petroglyphs specifically located within unceded St’át’imc territory. 

 

Patrick’s work is known for its fine finishing, colourful cloud-like glazes and bold, yet intricate weaving designs. His ceramics are of particular interest across North America as he is one of the only established First Nations potters working in the Pacific Northwest. Patrick's company P’egpig’7lha Studio & Gallery is based near Lillooet, BC and his work is widely exhibited throughout North America in both museum and commercial collections.
 

 At Edgelands, we are delighted to be the first gallery in Europe to represent Patrick and his work and we invite you to enjoy this beautiful collection of newly created vases and pots. Welcome to Patrick Leach: St’át’imc Ceramics from the Pacific Northwest. ​​