Tracing Growth

It is an extraordinary privilege to feature not one, but two Beau Dick masks in our forthcoming December 2, 2024, sale—offering a rare glimpse into the evolution of a master carver’s journey. Together, these two masks, Lot 117 and Lot 88, trace a compelling progression in Dick’s work, showcasing the development of his skill and style over time.

 

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Lot 117, an early work crafted when Dick was just 25, portrays an elderly woman with a remarkable sensitivity. Among Northwest Coast carvers, capturing the jowls and folds of the elderly is a rite of passage, a sculptural challenge that Dick embraced with boldness and a keen eye for human character. Her wrinkled face, carved with deliberate lines and nuanced gestures, holds a certain gravitas that speaks of both wisdom and experience. Yet, there’s a spark of humour: her open mouth, the protruding tongue, the absent tooth—all hint at a lively spirit, capturing a playful acceptance of aging’s quirks. This Old Woman Mask, 1980 illustrates that even in his mid-20s, we see Dick’s instinct for infusing wood with lifelike detail and personality.

By contrast, Lot 88—which portrays Ba̱k’wa̱s, a man-eating spirit of the forest, embodies a complex and more intense artistic approach. Here, Dick’s mastery is evident in the detailed, layered features of the mask. The ferocious expression, the green-painted eyes that hint at the spirit’s forest home, and the disheveled hair all contribute to an atmosphere of menace. The use of leather to create the effect of decaying flesh adds a tactile dimension, enhancing the mask’s lifelike quality. 

In these two masks, we witness a journey—from Dick's talented beginnings to a seasoned master carver. This evolution in his craftsmanship reveals an artist who, over time, strengthened not only his technique but also his ability to convey depth and spirit, making each of these works a reflection of his powerful and enduring talent.

 

Nadine Di Monte