EAGLE SPIRIT GALLERY

A Tribute to Robert Frank Scott (1952–2024)

 

“For Rob, in recognition of your steadfast commitment to the arts and the principles of free expression.”

“This collection is dedicated to Rob, whose life was a work of art. These paintings and words are for him.”

 

Robert Frank Scott was a defining presence in Vancouver’s art community and a lifelong champion of artistic freedom. As the longtime owner of Eagle Spirit Gallery, he devoted over three decades to supporting and elevating Indigenous artists, creating a space grounded in authenticity, cultural respect, and creative excellence.

Through his vision and unwavering dedication, the gallery became more than an exhibition space—it became a platform for voices, stories, and traditions that deserved to be seen, heard, and celebrated. Rob’s legacy is deeply intertwined with the artists he supported and the community he helped nurture.

Among those he represented was Paul Francis Ygartua, whose work he championed for over ten years. Sharing an Indigenous Basque heritage, Ygartua drew inspiration from West Coast Indigenous art—an influence that was strengthened through Rob’s enduring encouragement and belief in his work.

This collection stands as a tribute to Rob’s life, his passion, and his lasting impact on the arts. His spirit continues to resonate through every piece, every story, and every artist he helped bring into the light.

Your spirit is with us and we thank you.
Paul and Joanne Ygartua

 

BELLA BELLA UNITED IN HISTORY 2O13

 

The Mural, United in History, represents the Heiltsuk Nation and the individuals who made a significant contribution to the founding of the Bella Bella area since the Hudson Bay Co. established Fort McLoughlin in 1833. Commissioned by Craig Widsten, Shearwater Resort & Marina, Denny Island, Canada. United in History, a 22’x120’ fresco, commemorates the history of Bella Bella, B.C. The Heiltsuk Nation, Bella, Bella, the first inhabitants of this area and the individuals that were part of the historic development of the greater Bella Bella Community from 1930 to 1980.

 

THE MURAL UNVEILING ENTITLED – BELLA BELLA – UNITED IN HISTORY CELEBRATING THE FOUNDING OF BELLA BELLA, JULY 6, 2013

“It has been an honour for me, to paint the extraordinary people of the ancient civilization of the Heiltsuk Nation (with historical records going back some 9,500 years)  My Basque Heritage, the oldest race of Europe and my interest in the First People of the World and the preservation of all ancient cultures, gives me great pride to be part of the enrichment and presentation of the legacy that contributes to the rich cultural heritage of Bella Bella.”.  Paul Ygartua

 

 

Hilistis ‘Pauline’ Waterfall, an advocate for access to education for all First Nations people, 2010 Order of BC recipient, educator, founding member of the Indigenous Adult & Higher Learning Association, proud ambassador, member, and “Keeper of the Knowledge” of the Heiltsuk NationDuring her introduction of the artist she said “What endeared me most was Paul’s openness to culture, his openness to learning and his willingness to capture the spirit and essence of our ancestors. In the old days, our people believed that if you could capture the spirit of someone in a photograph, or a painting, then it was an eternal treasure that kept us connected to them. When he started, he felt the ancestral and spiritual energy. I call him, my ‘Mural Miracle Maker’ — Hilistis ‘Pauline’ Waterfall

 

 

 

EAGLE SPIRIT GALLERY

From public museums to private collectors, Eagle Spirit has clients across the globe. Many artists whose work is displayed at Eagle Spirit have provided artwork for various shows and prestigious exhibitions including the Museum of Arts and Design New York, the Smithsonian Museums in New York and Washington D.C., Fortnum and Mason in London, England, the American Museum of Natural History in New York, the Museum of Civilization in Ontario, the Heard Museum in Arizona and many more locations.

Our experienced and professional team can ship artwork to any destination around the world. Commissions are also available. For further information, please click here to contact us.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THESE ORIGINAL WORKS OF ART ARE EXHIBITED AND AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE 

AT THE PRESTIGIOUS EAGLE SPIRIT GALLERY PENTICTON, B.C. V2A 5K3

 

 

Historical photos of Paul Ygartua and his work, with Chief Dan George, Chief Leonard George, Chemainus Mural – NW Heritage, World United, Expo86 United Nations Pavilion, A World United, Limited Edition, Grace McCarthy and President of Granada, Spain, The Beachcomber Millennium Mural with Chief Dan George and Blessing from Chief Leonard George, Bill Reid’s Sculpture Spirit of Haida Gwaii, United by History, Denny Island, Heiltsuk Nation, Potlatch 2013 in Bella Bella, Ygartua Portraits of the Chiefs of the Heiltsuk Nation.