Robert Davidson
Robert Charles Davidson OC OBC RCA (born November 4, 1946) is a Canadian artist of Haida heritage, known internationally as a carver of totem poles and masks, printmaker, painter, and jeweler. He is a leading figure in the renaissance of Haida art and culture. Davidson was born in Hydaburg, Alaska, and moved to Masset, British Columbia, in infancy. He apprenticed with Bill Reid and studied at the Vancouver School of Art. In 1969, he carved and raised the first totem pole on Haida Gwaii in approximately ninety years. His work is found in major collections, including the National Gallery of Canada and the Vancouver Art Gallery. He has received numerous awards and honorary degrees for his contributions to art and culture.
Awards
['Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts, University of Victoria, 1992', 'Honorary Doctor of Laws, Simon Fraser University, 1994', 'Order of British Columbia, 1995', 'National Aboriginal Achievement Award, 1995', 'Member of the Order of Canada, 1996', 'Honorary Doctor of Letters, University of British Columbia, 2007', 'Aboriginal Art Lifetime Achievement Awards, BC Achievement Foundation, 2007', "Governor General's Awards in Visual and Media Arts, Canada Council, 2010", 'Member, Royal Canadian Academy of Arts', 'The Audain Prize for Lifetime Achievement in the Visual Arts, 2010', 'Interpretation Canada Award of Merit, 1995', "City of Vancouver Book Award for 'Eagle Transforming: The Art of Robert Davidson', 1995", "Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal, 2002", 'Vancouver Arts Award—Visual Arts, 2005', "City of Surrey's Civic Treasure Award, 2008", "The commemorative medal created to mark the 2012 celebrations of the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada"]
Notable Works
['Eagle of the Dawn – The Art of Robert Davidson', 'Totem poles', 'Masks', 'Prints', 'Paintings', 'Jewelry']
