Douglas LaFortune was born in Bellingham, Washington, USA. Doug’s artistic training includes studying at Camosun College and as an apprentice of the renowned Salish Master Carver Simon Charlie. Since 1973, Doug has been working as a Salish artist in several mediums, including carving, drawing, painting, and serigraphy. Doug has carved many 30-foot totem poles that can be seen in Duncan and Victoria. He has also collaborated in creating the sculpture at the Walmart in Victoria at the Uptown Mall, and his welcome figures stand at the entrance of First Peoples House at the UVic. In recent years, Doug’s work has shifted to daily drawings on social media to lift peoples’ spirits with positive messages and to also bring awareness to current events. Doug often shares his craft by teaching the younger generation at schools and special events, and frequently collaborates on art projects with his wife Kathy. 

Doug LaFortune participated in the Visiting Artist Program in 2017.

Selected Coffee Time Drawings – COVID-19  (Exhibition Installation Image to Come)

These drawings are part of an ongoing series of images I create every day while drinking morning coffee. The multi-year series is now hundreds of drawings in number. I use felt markers and draw directly into a sketchbook at my kitchen table. I think about a variety of topics in this series that range from our family and community, places, and events, in a world we share. Each drawing is a thought or an idea about our daily lives. I have used these drawings to connect with a large and diverse audience through social media, namely Facebook.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I began to insert messages of care and gratitude as captions on my Facebook page. I have shared these below. Over the past year and a half, I have documented the pandemic from my personal perspective as a Salish artist. Alongside daily reminders to be safe are references to traditional knowledge about respect for each other, cedar, and our stories that keep us strong. In these drawings I selected for this exhibition, you can see themes of care, gratitude, and hopefulness. I am mindful and thankful for the people in our communities who are working hard to keep us all safe and protected, the cultural caregivers and the healthcare workers.

Facebook Captions:

1.Well, seems to be lots of hand washing all over the world. Hopefully it can stop this nasty virus from destroying this world. Anyhow, keep washing. It’s very important to all of us. March 20, 2020

2. The big hairy guy says, “how much longer do I have to wear a mask?” April 8, 2020

3. This was a thought I had as we watched people in stores all over in panic mode: let’s just try and be cool till things get better, and they will. March 16, 2020

4. Just a big thank you for all those doctors and nurses who are risking their lives every day to help us. February 1, 2021

5. This one is for all the custodial people who go into those dirty areas and risk infection and clean and disinfect everything. We thank you for your good work. April 9, 2020

6. A group of our people gathered at Saanich Peninsula Hospital in front of our poles to thank all the wonderful health care workers, doctors, and nurses, for risking their own health to help everyone who is sick. Thank you to our people who came to thank them and thanks to all the health care people. April 5, 2020

7. Kathy says Dr. Bonnie Henry is the only one she listens to. She seems to be the voice of reason amongst the chaos. Keep up the good work. April 18, 2020

8. So folks, time to get rid of this damn nasty virus best we can. As soon as it’s available get your vaccination. January 6 2021

9. Blue Jay says I can get rid of this nasty virus for you. He’s a nasty character and I won’t mind at all. May 9, 2020

10. So everyone the sun is shining brightly but we have to be very careful because that nasty virus is ramping up and taking a lot of people out, so let’s be careful. Keep using those masks. November 13, 2020

11. Octopus says we would sure like to get a hold of that nasty virus down here. We’d take care of him for good. Anyhow, everyone stay healthy. April 24,2020

12. Maybe it’s about time this powerful bird comes down and rids our world of this nasty virus. We would be very grateful. April 2, 2020

13. Here’s some cedar and an eagle feather for all those brave frontline workers. These might help in overcoming the nasty virus. Thank you to all you brave men and women. April 20, 2020

14. Just a big Hy Ch Ka for all the good things in life. Thank you Creator. March 15, 2020