The contents of this Register are intended for research purposes only. The heraldic emblems found in the Register may not be reproduced in any form or in any media without the written consent of the Canadian Heraldic Authority and/or the recipient.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Confirmation of Arms, Supporters, Flag and Badge
August 15, 2008
Vol. V, p. 332
Arms of the Emily Carr University of Art and DesignBlazonAzure six piles reversed throughout Argent, three in bend meeting in point, three in bend sinister meeting in point, all counterchanged; SymbolismThe colours are those associated with the University and its setting. The pattern on the shield is a geometric allusion to perspective, both in its literal sense, as interpreted by artists over many centuries, or in the much wider sense of the different points of view each artist brings to his or her own work. As well, it symbolizes how the various forms of art challenge us to see things in new ways. |
CrestBlazonIssuant from flames a Coast Salish spindle whorl charged with a raven all Argent embellished Azure; SymbolismThe Coast Salish raven styled by Susan Point represents, as it does in many West Coast First Nations cultures, transformation and cleverness. In this instance, it represents Emily Carr’s interest in the First Peoples as well as the idea that the artist transforms materials to give them new shape and meaning and that art can transform the way the viewer perceives the world. The flames symbolize the idea that the University’s professors liberate what burns in each student and what sets them on fire. |
MottoBlazonEYE MIND AND HAND; SymbolismThese words signify the linking together of the perception and visualization of the world through the eyes, the operation of the artist’s mind in the creative process, and the use of hands to bring an idea to life. |
SupportersBlazonTwo crows Azure standing on a rock Argent above barry wavy Argent and Azure; SymbolismThe crow is the smaller cousin of the raven, but unlike the raven is at home in urban areas. Here the crows represent the University’s urban setting on Granville Island next to the waters of False Creek. As well, they are noted for their intelligence, and thus symbolize the intellectual quotient in all aesthetic endeavours. |
Flag of the Emily Carr University of Art and DesignBlazonA banner of the Arms; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Badge of the Emily Carr University of Art and DesignBlazonA Javanese monkey sejant affronty Azure holding a billet Argent; SymbolismThe monkey is a reference to Emily Carr’s pet, Woo, and therefore to the University’s namesake. The rectangle represents a piece of paper, a computer screen and hence multi-media as well as a mirror, referring to the idea that artists hold a mirror up to the world. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on November 22, 2008 in Volume 142, page 2985 of the Canada Gazette.  |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Robert D. Watt, Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. PainterDavid Farrar CalligrapherShirley Mangione Recipient TypeCivil Institution
Other InformationOne or more entries related to this Recipient's emblems appear elsewhere in the Register: Volume V, p. 137. |