It appears that your cart is currently empty
Order online or call us +1 (604) 731-9292
Bill Reid
William Ronald Reid was one of Canada's most important artists; he was an acclaimed Haida master goldsmith, carver, sculptor, writer and spokesman. His father was of Scottish and German origin, and his mother was Haida. Reid's great-uncle was the renowned Haida carver Charles Edenshaw. It was after seeing his exquisitely carved bracelets that Reid felt that “the world was not the same."
Reid's early career in broadcasting included a ten-year contract with CBC Radio in Toronto. During this period, he studied the art of jewellery making at Ryerson Institute of Technology. Until he visited the Royal Ontario Museum, it was his intention to create contemporary jewellery. During this visit, he discovered their collection of Northwest Coast Native Art. His interest was stimulated when he saw a totem pole from his home village of Tanu. From that time on, Reid made it his life's work to explore and recapture the Haida art form and cultural tradition.
In 1985, Reid was approached by Arthur Erickson, the Vancouver architect designing the new Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C. Erickson discussed with Reid a possible commission - a sculpture for the building's entry court. Reid suggested a motley group of travellers in a traditional Haida canoe. The Spirit of Haida Gwaii, cast in patinated black bronze, took over five years to complete. In 1996, a full size replica was installed in the International Arrivals area at the Vancouver International Airport. In addition, the image of The Spirit of Haida Gwaii, along with three other iconic works by Reid, were used for the Canadian $20 bill from 2004- 2012.
It may be said that Reid has been an incredible impact on Haida Art and culture:
"He helped set in motion a dialogue of reconciliation and a process of reconstruction of the Haida culture of which he will inevitably remain a part, and the bridge of understanding which he helped to build between today's Native people and us others will stand as his monument. " (Doris Shadbolt, from Bill Reid)
In his career he created over 1,500 works from the "monumentally small to the exquisitely huge". His was a huge contribution to contemporary Northwest Coast art. Bill Reid died in March of 1998. He was buried in the Village of Tanu, his mother’s birthplace.
Unfinished Drawing of Central Figure in Spirit ...
Bill Reid (Haida)
1997 Edition AP 6/10 This is a copper etching on paper and is dated to 1997, the year before Bil...
1997 Edition AP 6/10 This is a copper etching on paper and is dated to 1997, the year before Bill Reid passed away. This is the last print Bill Reid created. The AP's were signed, the edition (of 73) were numbered but not signed and are available at $2,500 CAD.
$12,000.00
Wolf Cufflinks
Bill Reid (Haida)
Edition 1/25 and 2/25 Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figur...
Edition 1/25 and 2/25 Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork also have varying meanings but there are some common characteristics from a range of sources, including oral histories and artist des...
$30,000.00
Wolf Earrings
Bill Reid (Haida)
1970 Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals th...
1970 Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork also have varying meanings but there are some common characteristics from a range of sources, including oral histories and artist descriptions.Wolf is...
$12,000.00
1981 Edition /10 Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures a...
1981 Edition /10 Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork also have varying meanings but there are some common characteristics from a range of sources, including oral histories and artist descrip...
$15,000.00
Xhuwaji - Haida Grizzly Bear
Bill Reid (Haida)
1990 Edition /300 This print is only available framed. Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwe...
1990 Edition /300 This print is only available framed. Indigenous artwork on the Pacific Northwest Coast often incorporates figures and animals that are related to crest symbols. Crests have been passed down through families and have varying meanings depending on the context and association with a nation, clan, or family. The figures depicted in contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous artwork also have varying meanings but there are some common characteristics from a range of sources, includ...
$4,000.00