The First Men Emerging from the Clamshell is a classic Haida story on the origins of Haida Gwaii, and Raven discovering the people inside the clamshell at Rose Spit on the northern tip of Haida Gwaii. Even on a miniature scale, Christian White manages to capture a split second of the narrative with remarkable clarity. His skillful use of inlays engages the viewer, drawing one closer to observe the details and finally experience it in the hand as the artist did during its creation. The labret as a base is also one of White’s innovations, using the smooth traditional shape of the object to cradle the sculpture, and allowing the wood to contrast with the stone, thus supporting the sculpture without distraction. The Bill Reid Gallery in Vancouver is preparing the first solo exhibition of Christian White’s work, opening in January and running until the end of 2025.

Gary Wyatt