Lot 87
ROBERT DAVIDSON (GUUD SANS GLANS), O.C., O.B.C., (1946-) HAIDA, MASSET / WHITE ROCK
Spoon, c. 1976
finely carved and engraved, 2 x 4.75 x 1.5 in (5.1 x 12.1 x 3.8 cm)
signed, "Davidson".

Provenance
Spirit Wrestler Gallery, Vancouver, accompanied by their gallery literature;
Acquired from the above by the present Private Collection, Texas.

Robert Davidson credits spoons as being an important transition in his carving style from symmetrical to asymmetrical forms. Bracelets and pendants were often split forms mirrored from the centre, but spoons required asymmetrical designs to fit their shape. Davidson became interested in the design possibilities of asymmetry and began to experiment in asymmetrical designs on bracelets; this quickly elevated his designs and carving style to a new level. He would apply this same technique to printmaking, using templates from designs on spoons, pendants, and bracelets to create new print designs. Davidson will still occasionally reacquaint his hands with the jewellery tools and produce a small series of pieces for family or special clients, but this has become very rare in recent years due to the demand for sculptural works and paintings. During the 1970s when this spoon was created, the demand was quite high for jewellery commissions.

Gary Wyatt

References: For two somewhat earlier examples by the artist see Ian Thom, ed., Robert Davidson: Eagle of the Dawn, (Vancouver: Vancouver Art Gallery, 1993), pp. 34-35.