The black canoe: Bill Reid and the spirit of Haida Gwaii

by Robert Bringhurst

Book Overview

It is rare for a single work of sculpture to become the subject of a book at any time, much less at the moment of its installation. But Bill Reid 's Spirit of Haida Gwaii is no ordinary sculpture.... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0888946791
• ISBN13: 9780888946799
• Release Date: January 1991
• Publisher: Douglas & McIntyre
• Length: 173 Pages
• Weight: 2.45 lbs.

Customer Reviews

A fascinating account of the making of a masterpiece.

Anyone who knows and loves the work of Haida artist, Bill Reid, will be fascinated by this behind-the-scenes account of the modelling and casting of 'Spirit of Haida Gwai'. Modelled first in clay, then cast in sections into bronze, the completed work is an enormous canoe full of figures from the mythology of the Haida Indians of the Northwest Coast of North America. The figures of the Eagle, the Raven, Bear Mother, Mouse Woman and Dogfish Woman are exquisitely carved in a style which is unmistakably that of the Northwest Coast, yet it also has a distinctly contemporary feel that reflects Reid's ability to draw upon his heritage while remaining creative and original in his work. The construction process is documented in detail with over eighty black and white photographs, while the text explores the symbolism and meaning of these tantalising figures from Haida mythology who share the canoe and a common cultural ancestry. The making of this wonderful sculpture must surely be one of the greatest achievements of Reid's long and successful career as a highly talented and original sculptor and jeweller. For those who know Reid's work this book is a must, providing a fascinating record of his working methods. For those who have not yet encountered Reid's work, this book provides a golden opportunity to meet some of the characters which dominate his work. All will marvel at Bill Reid's skill as a sculptor in producing this beautiful, immense, and impressive piece of work, a process which has been beautifully and sensitively recorded in the pages of this book. (Reviewed by M.Simpson