What a privilege to visit the artists and craftspeople of Haida Gwaii in Old Masset. Today we visited two master carvers, Jim Hart and Christian White. They were amazingly generous in opening their homes and workshops to our guests. Works in progress in various forms of media were all about the workshops, including woodcarvings, drawings, and argillite and bronze statuary. Pictures of the works will not be shown here, as the artists requested that we not post images of their work on social media. This is just one of a multitude of reasons to come to Haida Gwaii and see for yourself what centuries of carving artistry can produce.
9/18/2024
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National Geographic Sea Lion
Queen Charlotte City, Haida Gwaii
Yesterday was a delightful day spent exploring the rich culture and natural beauty of Haida Gwaii! We began our adventure at the Heritage Center in Queen Charlotte City, where we immersed ourselves in the fascinating history and artistry of the Haida people. The vibrant exhibits and stories brought the local culture to life, setting a perfect tone for our day. Afterward, we hiked the stunning Spirit Lake Trail with our knowledgeable guide, Linda. Her enthusiasm was infectious as she shared captivating tales about the local flora and fauna. We learned how the Haida utilize various plants for traditional medicine, including the licorice root for soothing sore throats. The lush temperate rainforest enveloped us, with towering red cedars and vibrant ferns creating a serene backdrop for our hike. As we reached Spirit Lake, the tranquility of the water mirrored the peacefulness of the surroundings, making it a perfect spot for reflection. The day concluded with laughter and camaraderie as we enjoyed a hearty meal together. With Linda's stories echoing in our minds, we left feeling enriched by both knowledge and experience, eager for our next adventure!