Gwaai Edenshaw is a storyteller and carver of time and ideas. His tools are wood, metal, stone and bone. Gwaai’s carving, jewelry, and sculpture all find their genesis on the drawing board. This collection drums out the conceptual aspects of his work which have resonated with his culture, with society, and with collectors of art.

Both “Gagiid” images are derived from ancient and mysterious ochre cave drawings on Haida Gwaii, other images have been swiped from some of Gwaai Edenshaw’s childhood doodlings. “Son of Djillaquons” plays with a contemporary meme in Haida art. At its core, this work visits the misattribution of the Weeping Woman of Tanu as Djillaquons, and subsequent depictions throughout the years. Here Gwaai re-appropriates the idea of Djillaquons with tears as she cries out her children, the toads.

In this collection you may discover some of Gwaai Edenshaw’s influences, wander the shores of Haida Gwaii, meet the beasts and families, hear some stories, and even have a laugh. Gwaai has attempted to explore ideas of strife, cycles of life, language, family, humor, retribution and our vital links to the natural world.