Bill Reid: Beyond the Essential Form

by Karen Duffek

According to eminent French anthropologist Levi-Strauss, Reid "brought Northwest Coast art to the world scene, into dialogue with the whole of mankind." In this artistic biography, Karen Duffek gives an account of Bill Reid's life and work and of his role as artist, innovator, and ambassador of Haida art. After describing the processes by which Reid came to reconstruct the formal rules of a complex artistic tradition, Duffek focuses on his mastery of new techniques, particularly in making jewellery, techniques which others now emulate. In the key chapter "Beyond the Essential Form," she uses Reid's own categories of his work as "copies, adaptations and explorations," to give a candid appraisal of his artistic achievements -- from massive poles to gold boxes, from intricate bracelets to the great bronze Killerwhale statue.

64 pages, Paperback

First published July 31, 1986

Reviews

[Gareth Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thought-provoking exhibition guide with many illustrations including a section of colour plates. I am a big fan of Bill Reid but the author, Karen Duffick really makes you confront the challenges faced by Native Northwest Coast American Art. Is it just craft? Is it hidebound by riles? Can you stretch those rules and remain within the tradition? Can you practise the art without living as Haida?
Great questions and some tentative answers.
Thoroughly stimulating as well as a beautiful record of many fine pieces. Bill Reid - gone, but his legacy (which he questioned) remains.