Pat McGuire was the anchor for both artists and collectors in the fledging Northwest Coast Art market in Vancouver in the 1960’s. McGuire was born in Skidegate and was a gifted drawer and painter before shifting to argillite and jewellery. He moved to Vancouver in his early 20’s and established a studio to work as a fulltime artist – a time when there were few galleries but a growing interest in the modern art form. He was inspirational to future artists arriving in Vancouver seeking employment and many with residential school backgrounds – he encouraged them to carve and to develop as artists. His studio was a meeting place for new artists and clients seeking commissions. He was an early example of the modern artist with advanced technical skills, ability to negotiate with clients and galleries and a teacher to new artists.

The Haida have two moieties, the Eagle and Raven with the shark as a sub-crest of the Raven clan. Plates were commonly produced as trade items with sailors as a variation on a transportable and utilitarian object that was still distinctive to the artists and culture of the Haida.

– Gary Wyatt