Artwork copyright Tyson Simmons. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, by Everything Time Studio, 2024.

Artwork copyright Tyson Simmons. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, by Everything Time Studio, 2024.

Spirit Paddle 2, 2024

Tyson Simmons
(American | Muckleshoot)

Location: Thomas Jefferson High School, Auburn

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Spirit Paddle 2 was made by Tyson Simmons (Muckleshoot) a master carver of canoes, who makes his own carving knives and tools. He notes, “I hope that as I continue in my artistic career, I can pass on the teachings and nurturing spirit that have been shown to me.”

This artwork is part of a curated collection by Asia Tail in April 2024 for three Federal Way Public Schools in South King County. Asia chose graphic works that are as bold and diverse as the students, by artists with ties to South Puget Sound. Images of language, people, and the natural world create a poem for this place where students live and learn. She notes, "School is a place where we can connect with new families. And families are always strongest when working together."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Federal Way Public Schools.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Tyson Simmons is a Muckleshoot tribal member, born and raised on Muckleshoot lands on South Puget Sound. He taps into the history and teachings of his people and merges them with his own approach and experience, to create art that is new and exciting – traditional Salish art for the 21st century. He honors the past by celebrating the future. Simmons' work spans diverse approaches and perspectives, creating works in metal, rattles, spears, canoes, story poles, as well as making his own carving knives and tools. Simmons now carries traditional knowledge and teachings, and he is responsible and required to continue to pass them on in a good and humble way. Tyson was mentored by his people’s last-remaining master carver of dugout river canoes and spent thousands of hours perfecting this technique. He has been dedicated to creating art since 2014.