Earlier Life
William (Bill) Ronald Reid was born in Victoria B.C (January 12 1920 - March 13 1998). His mother was Haida, and his father american. Bill was only a teenager when he knew of his mother native heritage. In 1948 Reid studied jewellery and engraving at the Ryerson Institute in Toronto. In 1968 Reid continued his studies at the Central School of Art and Design in London Once he returned to Vancouver, Reid took part in a monumental sculpture (Haida Village) for the University of British Columbia. Eventually Reid became recognised for his contributions to Haida art with many sculptures reflecting on the Haida tribe, becoming the great sculptor he is known as today.
Art
Bill Reid's art pieces mostly reflected on the Haida tribe. "Art can never be understood, but it can only be seen as a kind of magic, the most profound mysteries of all human activities. Within that magic, one of the deepest mysteries in the Northwest coast." (Aboriginal Biographies-Artists pg.9)
Bill Reid's famous Pieces
Bill Reid's famous Pieces
- Raven and the First Humans (1980)
- The Raven Steals the Light (1984)
- The Chief of the Undersea World (1984)
- Spirit of Haida Gwaii (1991)
Acomplishments
Besides being a famous jeweller and sculptor, Bill Reid had many life accomplishments. In 1976 he was awarded Honorary Decorate from the University of B.C. A year later he was rewarded the Molson prize (1977) He was also rewarded the National Aboriginal lifetime achievement award. Bill Reid also received many honorary degrees from U.B.C (The University of British Columbia). In 2004 two of his famous sculptures were featured on Canada twenty dollar bill. (Spirit of Haida Gwaii and Raven and the First Humans)
Haida Tribe
The Haida people originated from the Pacific Northwest coast near the islands of southern Alaska and Northwest British Columbia. There are two separate Haida communities in Canada, one called Masset and the other Skidegate. Each have their own reservation and is legally under their control. Just like small countries these reserves have their own government with their own laws and police force. But they still must obey the Canadian law because they are still considered as Canadian citizens. Haida artists are famous for their work in carving particularly totem poles, along with many other crafts such as basketry and mask making. With every culture, comes stories and beliefs. The Haida tribe is truly an extraordinary tribe and I think that many of my viewers should look into further information to learn about the ways of the Haida tribe.
Influences on Canada
Bill Reid was a man of many skills. His work and wide visions brought a unique international world to public art. He enc-operated modern ideas with traditional ways influencing other artists and connecting bridges between native heritage with the rest of the world. Within each carving tells a story, his legacy has emerged artist to step out and explore different cultures. He has influenced many Canadian artist and we should be inspired by his works of art and how he tries to bring Canadian culture so much closer.