Christian White is one of the foremost argillite carvers in history. The demand for his work has always been high and, consequently, they leave the studio upon completion and have a very short display time in galleries (often sold before they can be publicly viewed). Wanting to make his work more accessible, White began to consider bronze casting in the 1990s. Editions would allow his work to be seen in multiple locations and have a sustained presence in galleries. Bronze is not inexpensive to cast but for master artists like Christian White, it can offer a price point that allows more collectors the opportunity to own his work. Earth Mother Weeping is cast from an original argillite sculpture which Christian knew was an exceptionally large sculpture for the medium, with strong details that also could be captured in the casting mold. To date, this 2006 bronze edition is still the only one he has produced.

The story of Weeping Earth Mother is told in many parts with an underlying moral that requires respecting protocols and historic teachings and protecting the natural world. Many variations of the story exist. Here is one: Three boys who disrespected a headdress during a ceremony are cast out to cool down, calm the tensions, and spend time in the forest to learn its many secrets. While fishing, they come across a frog, which tries to weave between them to reach the water. After its several failed attempts, the boys cast the frog into the fire. Weeping Earth Mother, who knows and treats all the forest creatures as her children, notices that the frog is missing and after a search, discovers it in the charred ashes at the abandoned camp site. She visits the village, requests an audience with the chief, and demands punishment for the needless taking of a life. Her hag-like appearance receives jeers and comments, but at least one woman understands that this is a person of great knowledge and power. Weeping Earth Mother returns to the forest after warning of severe repercussions for ignoring her demands. The woman from the village grabs her child and heads to higher ground. Soon the mountain erupts, and the village is lost in the lava. The survivors cross the hardened lava, and finding a canoe they depart for a distant village bearing a story of great importance. Throughout Haida Gwaii and the northern mainland there are signs of volcanic eruptions that were major events in history.

Gary Wyatt