The Earth Room Story

To represent the natural world in the Earth Room, artist Corrine Hunt chose two dominant forest-dwelling creatures: the Wolf and the Bear.

The Bear is a strong figure in Aboriginal mythology. It wields great authority in its forested habitat, roaming throughout, foraging for berries and fishing for salmon. While powerful, the Bear also represents living in harmony with nature and therefore assumes the role of protector of the forest.

Northwest Coast communities have learned much from the Bear and hold bears in high esteem. This figure is also representative of Hunt’s Tlingit clan, and so pays tribute to her heritage. The Wolf represents family. Living as a pack and nursing their young, wolves demonstrate a commitment to family values.

Incidentally, the Wolf also appears on Hunt’s mother’s family crest and is thereby a more personal touch in the suite’s design.

Hunt’s carved copper wolf and bear motifs adorn the wooden headboard in the Earth Room. Together these figures embody the necessary relationship we must have without natural surroundings; one that appreciates and preserves what we are so privileged to enjoy.

The Northwest Coast is known for its stunning landscape of temperate rainforests and mighty mountains. This cherished terrain inspired BBA Design to create the Earth Suite. A colour palette of browns, beige and grey, and a fabric-covered headboard wall warm space creates an inviting atmosphere. Grey speaks to the mountains that run

along the West Coast, while brown and beige signify its forests. Wooden furnishings in varying stains symbolize the arboreal diversity found across the province. As chosen by collaborating artist Corrine Hunt, the images of a bear and a wolf represent the character of the suite.

Aboriginal mythology identifies the Wolf as a strong leader and the Bear as the protector of forests. Together they remind us of the need to respect the natural world. Their motifs have been carved into copper panels and mounted to the wooden headboard.

The Earth Room is an intimate space that evokes a sense of calm like the forested surroundings that inspired its design.