CULTURAL GROUP:
Haida

BORN:
1976 (d. 2020)

BIRTHPLACE:
Mission, BC

Ben Davidson, whose Haida name was tlajang nang kingaas ("the one who is known far away"), was the son of internationally renowned Haida artist Robert Davidson. He began carving at the early age of sixteen, and completed a four-year apprenticeship program with Robert. He had also worked with artists Reg Davidson and John Livingstone. Ben specialized in three-dimensional wood sculpture. However, he also had experience with two-dimensional works, and was working on expanding his repertoire to include jewellery and engraving. His piece, a Chief seat, was included in the exhibition Raven Travelling: Two Centuries of Haida Art. Ben was committed to the revival of Haida art and culture, and thus mentored younger students, and was heavily involved with the traditional Haida dance group, the Rainbow Creek dancers. His extensive experience as an original member of this group allowed him to explore the relationship between Haida art and culture further. Ben resided in Skidegate, Haida Gwaii where he owned a gallery, All About U Arts. Sadly, Ben passed away suddenly during the summer of 2020, at the young age of 44.