Llgaay gwii sdiihida
32.5 x 32.5 in (82.6 x 82.6 cm) including frame
In the words of Ben: “Llgaay Gwii Sdiihlda means to restore balance. According to my father-in-law, it applies when we are about to fall, but we manage to catch ourselves before we fall. I chose to name the print Llgaay Gwii Sdiihlda because I believe that even when we are in a state of uncertainty, we still have the ability to regain our balance. The print features an image of Sea Bear. Though there is not much information about him, I think of him as a protector of the ocean, which is symbolized by the blue. In Sea Bear’s mind, we can see the importance of finding balance in our lives. Sea Bear’s companion, Sea Ghost, can also be seen faintly in the waves in the background of this print. Sea Ghost represents our connections to our parents and our ancestors. In order to continue our journey forward, we must listen for the echoes of our ancestors who will help us restore balance in our lives.”
Ben Davidson
1976 - 2020
Ben Davidson whose Haida name was khooleil, was a Haida carver, sculptor, and visual artist from Haida Gwaii, British Columbia. Belonging to the Ts'aahl clan, he began carving at an early age under the mentorship of his father, the renowned Haida artist Claude Davidson. He expanded his formal training through apprenticeships with established artists, including his uncle Robert Davidson and master carver Reg Davidson, studying traditional Northwest Coast formline design and carving techniques.
Working primarily in red and yellow cedar, argillite, bronze, and precious metals, Davidson produced totem poles, ceremonial masks, structural posts, and jewelry. His work maintained classical Haida design principles, incorporating traditional crests such as the raven, eagle, frog, and killer whale, while utilizing contemporary sculptural forms and precise tool work. In addition to traditional carving, he explored graphic prints and mixed-media compositions.
Throughout his career, Davidson completed major public and monumental commissions, including totem poles raised in Haida Gwaii and international public installations. His works were featured in institutional exhibitions at venues such as the Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia and the Royal British Columbia Museum. He lived and operated his studio practice in Skidegate, Haida Gwaii, until his death in 2020.