Llagaay Gwii Sdiihlda - Limited Edition Print
Llagaay Gwii Sdiihlda - Limited Edition Print
In the words of Ben: “Llgaay Gwii Sdiihlda means to restore balance. According to my father-in-law, it applies when we are about to fall, but we manage to catch ourselves before we fall. I chose to name the print Llgaay Gwii Sdiihlda because I believe that even when we are in a state of uncertainty, we still have the ability to regain our balance. The print features an image of Sea Bear. Though there is not much information about him, I think of him as a protector of the ocean, which is symbolized by the blue. In Sea Bear’s mind, we can see the importance of finding balance in our lives. Sea Bear’s companion, Sea Ghost, can also be seen faintly in the waves in the background of this print. Sea Ghost represents our connections to our parents and our ancestors. In order to continue our journey forward, we must listen for the echoes of our ancestors who will help us restore balance in our lives.”
26" x 26"
Edition of 81
Ben Davidson
CULTURAL GROUP:
Haida
BORN:
1976 (d. 2020)
BIRTHPLACE:
Mission, BC
Ben Davidson, whose Haida name was tlajang nang kingaas ("the one who is known far away"), was the son of internationally renowned Haida artist Robert Davidson. He began carving at the early age of sixteen, and completed a four-year apprenticeship program with Robert. He had also worked with artists Reg Davidson and John Livingstone. Ben specialized in three-dimensional wood sculpture. However, he also had experience with two-dimensional works, and was working on expanding his repertoire to include jewellery and engraving. His piece, a Chief seat, was included in the exhibition Raven Travelling: Two Centuries of Haida Art. Ben was committed to the revival of Haida art and culture, and thus mentored younger students, and was heavily involved with the traditional Haida dance group, the Rainbow Creek dancers. His extensive experience as an original member of this group allowed him to explore the relationship between Haida art and culture further. Ben resided in Skidegate, Haida Gwaii where he owned a gallery, All About U Arts. Sadly, Ben passed away suddenly during the summer of 2020, at the young age of 44.
