Classic Northwest Coast Indigenous Heiltsuk order Bear Print by Ben Houstie

This is a Northwest Coast Indigenous limited edition silkscreen print entitled "Bear" by Heiltsuk artist Ben Houstie. It depicts the Bear in a classic Heiltsuk red, blue, and black colour scheme. The Bear is seen as an elder figure who deserves respect, and generally symbolizes wisdom and strength. This print measures 11" x 10", and is from a run of 250.

Heiltsuk artist Ben Houstie's works include original paintings, limited edition prints, carved cedar rattles, and paddles. He has worked with Cheryl Hall, Robert Hall, David Gladstone, and Beau Dick. In 1988, he worked under Bill Reid, painting several drums of Bill's designs and 20 paddles for the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Ottawa. Both his first painting in 1977 and his first limited edition order prints in 1987 were sold to Leona Lattimer Gallery. Ben also painted several reconstructed artworks in 2000 for the Museum of Anthropology's The Transforming Image exhibition at the University of British Columbia.