Haida Book of Stories

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

For the past four decades, world-renowned Haida artist Clarence Mills (aakinskus) has been creating artwork in the cultural tradition and style of his people, including a totem displayed at Expo 86 in Vancouver. He made history as the first Haida artist whose work was shown at the Louvre, and is presently carver-in-residence on Vancouvers Granville Island. Haida Book of Stories is a stunningly powerful poetic attempt to carve out the artists aesthetic evolution.

The artists statement: This book is about a boy that wanted to find something inside, things from being born half-and-half on Haida Gwaii. Its passages depict the art within through years of focus inside, outside, on myself. Finding art at a young age through creating made something from nothing, got somewhere by creating: Argillite, Cedar, Paper, Glass. The discovery that being quiet, calm, and in Moms basement invented a style, a person, an artist.

I feel
Like I have been A tiny drop of water
That started a puddle That overflowed
To form a stream Then a river
That eventually empties Into the ocean
To become free

Clarence Mills (aakinskus), November 2022

Author Bio

Haida artist Clarence Mills ('aak'insk'us) was born in Hlgaagilda (Skidegate), Haida Gwaii, in 1958. He is a member of the Eagle Clan and takes the Spirit Raven and Grizzly Bear as his crests. Haida Book of Stories is his first book.