Totem Spirit Eagle Vision (Vision) by Andrew Williams

NATIVE NORTHWEST ART BY INDIGENOUS ARTISTS

Statement of Respect and Authenticity

We believe that Indigenous artists should be treated fairly and with respect. Authenticity of art, design, and culture is the foundation of our mission of building everyday connection to Indigenous cultures.

Native Northwest products are guided by the following five principles:

• 100% of the art featured on every Native Northwest product is designed by Indigenous artists

• All artists have provided consent and contractual permission for their art to be featured on Native Northwest products

• Artist names are acknowledged on all product packaging

• Cultural traditions are honoured by acknowledging cultural affiliation on product packaging

• Artists are paid in fees and royalties

Andrew Williams: A Haida Artist Blending Tradition and Modernity

Andrew Williams is a prominent contemporary Haida artist, born in 1964 in Masset, Haida Gwaii. A self-taught artist, Williams began carving in 1995 and is a member of the Raven clan in Old Masset. His work is characterized by a distinctive blend of traditional Haida art forms with contemporary aesthetics, reflecting his deep passion for his Haida ancestry and the "old stories" of his people.

Williams works across various mediums, including argillite, silver, and gold, and is also recognized for his graphic design. His artistic development was influenced by notable Haida carvers such as Christian White and Terry Yeltazie, particularly for their inlay techniques, and Gary Minaker-Russ, who guided him in polishing methods. In 1999, Williams further refined his skills by taking a shaping course with Gary Minaker-Russ through the First Peoples Cultural Foundation Grant. Demonstrating his continuous pursuit of artistic excellence, he completed Vancouver's Northwest Coast Jewellery Arts program in 2009, studying under the esteemed Haida/Kwakwaka'wakw artist Dan Wallace.

Andrew Williams' artistry conveys a profound connection to his cultural heritage, breathing new life into ancient narratives through his intricate carvings and designs. His dedication to preserving and expressing Haida culture has established him as a significant voice in contemporary Indigenous art.