“Gwaai Edenshaw, One Monster for Another, pencil on paper”

Sounds Good on Paper works by Gwaai Edenshaw Opening Reception March 29 6:30-9:00pm, artist in attendance March 29 – April 21, 2012 Petley Jones Gallery 1554 West 6th Avenue Vancouver, BC V6J 1R2 (604) 732 5353 RSVP (via facebook) Help us trend this exhibition on twitter: #soundsgoodonpaper | @petleyjones

The exhibition at Petley Jones Gallery centres on over a dozen graphite, mixed media and drawings on paper. This is the first solo exhibition of the highly accomplished Haida artist, Gwaai.

Most well known for his gold, silver and argillite jewelry casts, this exhibition explores the hand-to-paper experience of Gwaai’s artistic process.

The exhibition is supplemented by a couple jewelry pieces and the unveiling of a large paper cast mask.

Sounds Good on Paper will be accompanied by an exhibition catalogue, available for purchase through the Gallery.

Gwaai is also featured in the exhibition, That Which Makes us Haida – The Haida Language, the opening of which immediately precedes Sounds Good on Paper, at the Bill Reid Gallery (639 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC 604.682.3455). A traditional welcome & short program will begin at 5:30pm.

About Gwaai Edenshaw
Born in 1977 Gwaai is a prominent artist of the Haida nation. In his teens, Gwaai apprenticed with the late Bill Reid, learning the art of carving and totem work. Gwaai produced his first totem under the direction of his father, Guujaaw (drummer, carver and political leader) at the age of 19, and has since carved several more. Preliminary drawings for a totem pole, currently installed in Jasper, and carved by Gwaai and his brother Jaalen, are included in Sounds Good on Paper.

In 2002, Gwaai assisted another prominent Haida artist, Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas, in the production of the graphic novel A Tale of Two Shamans. This experience nurtured in Gwaai an interest in more experimental styles of Haida art.

Gwaai studied Jewelry Art & Design at Vancouver Community College where he focused on metal casting. To date, this remains his preferred medium.

Gwaai is a founding member of the Q’altsi’da Kaa players. Their inaugural project, Sounding Gambling Sticks, is a play performed entirely in the Haida language.