Robert Davidson RCA

Haida Nation
Robert Davidson is one of Canada’s most respected and important contemporary artists. A renowned Haida master carver of totem poles and masks who works in a variety of other media as a printmaker, painter and jeweler. He is also a leading figure in the renaissance of Haida art and culture. Robert Davidson is best known as an impeccable craftsman whose creative and personal interpretations of traditional Haida form is unparalleled.
Robert Charles Davidson was born November 4, 1946 in Hydaburg Alaska. His Haida name is Guud San Glans/Eagle of The Dawn. He moved with his family to the Massett on Haida Gwai (Queen Charlotte Islands) in 1947 and lived there until 1965 when he moved to Vancouver to complete his education at Point Grey Secondary School. It was there that he first learned the fundamentals of silk-screening.
In 1966 he met Bill Reid and soon after, began an eighteen month apprenticeship that launched his career as an artist. Through Reid, he met anthropologist Wilson Duff, artist Bill Holm, and learned much about the Haida people and their art. In 1967 he enrolled in the Vancouver School of Art, a place he credits for developing his drawing and design skills.
Robert Davidson was surrounded by fine carving from an early age as both his father, Claude Davidson and grandfather, Robert Davidson Sr. were respected carvers in Massett. His great grandfather was the famed Haida carver Charles Edenshaw. Robert began carving at the age of 13 when his father insisted that he carry on the family artistic tradition. Since that time, he has continued to explore the carved form in a variety of traditional and non-traditional media including bronze and aluminum. He became the consummate Haida artist whose strong rhythms and personal style is recognized and sought-after the world over.
For more than fifty years, Robert Davidson has worked as an artist and has produced an internationally acclaimed body of work. His work is found in a number of important private and public collections including the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa, the Vancouver Art Gallery, the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Hull, Quebec, the Southwest Museum in Los Angeles and the Artists for Kids Gallery in North Vancouver. He has also received many honours for his accomplishments.
In 1995 he received the National Aboriginal Achievement Award for his contribution to First Nations art and culture. He holds honorary degrees from the University of Victoria, Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, the Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas and the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design in Vancouver. He has received the Order of British Columbia and in 1996 was awarded the prestigious Order of Canada.
In 2010, British Columbia’s most prestigious award – the Audain Foundation for the Visual Arts “Lifetime Achievement in the Visual Arts” (now in its 7th year) was presented to Robert Davidson at the Vancouver Art Gallery on May 12th. In addition, Robert was the winner of the 2010 Governor General’s Award in Visual and Media Arts.
In 2011, Robert received the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts Award in Visual and Media Art. RCA is a honourary organization of over 790 established professional artists and designers across Canada. Members are nominated and elected by their peers, since 1880, and come to represent Canada’s most distinguished artists.
In 2022, Robert was awarded the Order of Canada for his continued excellence as an artist and as an
an advocate of Haida culture. The Order of Canada is the highest level of distinction in the Canadian Honours System. Any Canadian may be appointed a Member (CM), Officer (OC), or Companion (CC) of the Order in recognition of outstanding achievements or exemplary contributions in any sector of Canadian society.
Works by this Artist (Present + Past + Public)
Present Works
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Fisherman’s Delight
Robert Davidson RCA
CA$1,800.00Serigraph, Edition of 81
2022
Unframed
(For inquiries on Custom Framing, please contact the gallery)
“The focus point in this piece of art is a Spring Salmon depicted with the face of Humanity. Traditionally, the native societies were established around fishing, hunting, and gathering. The most valuable resource was salmon. For thousands of years, salmon was the primary food source for the people on the Canadian Northwest Coast. As a result of overfishing came a time of scarcity. Salmon perished and humanity depended heavily on its return. Salmon is a powerful symbol of regeneration, prosperity, and renewal for the Haida people.
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In the bottom right corner of this painting, Kuugan Jaad (also known as Mouse Woman) comes into sight. She is a character in many Haida legends. Mouse Woman is a supernatural being. She is the mother of Raven according to the mythology. She often appears in stories as a helper or advisor to those who are on a journey or to those who have crossed (or are about to cross) to another dimension (Spirit World or the unknown). She is highly respected as she offers great wisdom to restore order and balance. According to mythology, Mouse Woman can change shapes. She can be a big-eyed mouse and change into a tiny human grandmother. However, in art, her appearance is mostly abstract.
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When I’m creating a design, sometimes subconsciously Kuugan Jaad just appears in the art piece. Her form arises automatically during the creative process. It is striking because she is known to lend a helping hand to story characters in our legends.“ ~ Robert Davidson -
Swallow Sculpture
Robert Davidson RCA
Price upon requestEpoxy Powder-Coated Aluminum
Granite Base
Limited Edition 2 of 7
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Sk’ug sdang (Two Dog Salmon)
Robert Davidson RCA
CA$1,500.00Serigraph, Edition of 97
2021
Unframed
(For inquiries on Custom Framing, please contact the gallery)
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(Untitled) “Bird in the Air”
Robert Davidson RCA
CA$2,100.00Serigraph, Edition of 72
Unframed
(For inquiries on Custom Framing, please contact the gallery)
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Put your complaints ‘ere
Robert Davidson RCA
CA$1,200.00Serigraph, Edition of 67
Unframed
(For inquiries on Custom Framing, please contact the gallery)
“One day I had to drive into Vancouver on one of my delivery trips. As I was making my rounds to the galleries, feeling high about completing my work, I spoke to many people. Listening, I realized everyone was complaining about something or other. I started feeling weighted down by what I was hearing. On my way home, I thought it would be neat to have a place where people can complain without burdening other people. Thus this painting.” -Robert Davidson
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“Noisy Fin” Sculpture
Robert Davidson RCA
Price upon requestEpoxy Powder-Coated Aluminum
Granite BaseEdition 3 of 7
2018
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Supernatural Beings
Robert Davidson RCA
CA$1,800.00Serigraph, Edition of 79
2019
Unframed
(For inquiries on custom framing, please contact the gallery)
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Past Works
The artist’s Past Works at our Gallery have now sold; however, a custom order may be possible if the artist is available and accepting commissions.