William (Bill) Bedard

Haida

Born and raised on Haida Gwaii, Bill Bedard belongs to the Raven clan and was raised by his grandparents in the village of Old Massett. His grandfather was Chief William Matthews and he instilled strong traditional beliefs and knowledge of Haida heritage in his grandchildren. Bill’s interest in Haida art began when he was still a young boy, as he was frequently exposed to the vibrant arts community on the island. One formative event that inspired Bill to explore traditional artistic practices was Robert Davidson’s raising of a totem pole, the first such event in over one hundred years. It was this event that motivated Bill to learn traditional Haida design and carving. He is a largely self-taught jeweler and metalworker, whose artwork reflects the traditions of the past while also bringing new perspectives into Haida art.

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