Artwork copyright Jay Haavik. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Bear (Bella Coola Style), 1985

Jay Haavik
American (born 1943)

Location: Centennial Elementary, Graham

About the Artwork

Bear (Bella Coola Style) is a forehead mask carved by artist Jay Haavik based on the artistic motifs and forms of the Bella Coola Tribal group, located in British Columbia, Canada. Haavik studies the art of the Northwest Coast Native American Tribes, and notes that the Bella Coola style is characterized "by bulbous, sculptural forms, distinctive eye orbs, and an ultra-marine blue color."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Bethel School District.

About the Artist

Jay Haavik creates carved sculptures, panels, architectural installations, and fine furniture in wood and stone, as well as prints and paintings. His art is rooted in mythology and themes of nature, and it is influenced by the styles of Viking and Northwest Coast art. Haavik is a non-Native artist.