Material: Argillite, Paua Shell
Dimensions: 1.25 inches tall x 2.5 inches long x 1 inch wide
Design:
"To me the salmon means joy! Joy of fishing, eating and carving." - Haida artist, Amy Edgars
Hand-carved by Haida artist Amy Edgars. The design features salmon & is signed on the bottom by the artist. Salmon represents sustenance, abundance, and prosperity.
This piece is made of argillite, which is a protected volcanic slate found on one mountaintop on Haida Gwaii. This stone is carved exclusively by Haida artists.
Meet the Artist:
Amy Edgars is a Haida artist from Old Massett, British Columbia. She was inspired by her late father, Myles Edgars, to pursue the art of argillite carving. Amy began carving at the age of 16. "I saw my dad and others carving every day, so I thought I better sit down and try it out," says Amy. She also notes the late Haida artist Pat Wesley as an influence in developing her carving skills.
Amy is one of few Haida women argillite carvers and has been carving for over 15 years. She has a passion for carving and has made the trip up Slatechuck Mountain several times to gather her own argillite.
About Argillite:
Argillite is a black stone that is geologically classified as slate. The argillite from Haida Gwaii is found on one mountaintop and is protected by the Haida Nation as a stone exclusively carved by the Haida people.
This stone’s geological formation makes it unique compared to argillite found elsewhere. Exposure to high heats allowed this argillite to cool and form in a way that was strong enough to be carved, yet soft enough to take on fine carving details and sculpting.
Variation: Each carving is made by hand. Please expect some minor variation in the shape of the carving, location & texture of carving lines & colour of paua shell. These slight variations ensure that each piece is truly unique & special.
About Crystal Cabin Gallery:
We are a local art gallery and jewelry store in Tlell, Haida Gwaii. We specialize in highlighting artwork and jewelry by Haida and northwest coast artists. We also sell high quality crystals & minerals. In 2021 we started the Artists Tool Fund to purchase tools for local artists. Owned and operated locally since 1984, now run by the second generation. We are woman owned and operated.
To purchase this item, please contact us at crystalcabingallery.com or an accurate shipping quote.