“In this book, Terri-Lynn has given us a great gift. It is a work of exquisite power and beauty. As you follow its details, it will change how you see life itself.”
-John Burrows, Canadian Research Chair in Indigenous Law, University of Victoria
“Your book is so well done - each photo is like a performance, bringing the legends alive. I recently visited Haida Gwaii for the first time, and your interpretation of the legends was my introduction to the island that lies just off the main roads, waiting behind the trees. Your book reminded me that, especially in Haida Gwaii, you're never quite alone.”
-Jane Gabriels Executive Director, Made In BC
By (author): Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson
Foreword by: Wade Davis, Gwaaganad (Diane Brown)
Heritage Publishing, 2017
In Out of Concealment, Haida artist, performer and activist Terri-Lynn Williams-Davidson re-imagines the ancient feminine Supernatural Beings of Haida Gwaii, epic figures in the Haida Nation's origin stories, which have been passed down for millennia. These historical narratives illustrate the Haida's values, customs, rituals, laws, and relationships with the earthly and metaphysical realms, and reinforce a worldview through which the natural environment is a sacred domain, not to be dominated or exploited. Transforming her image into SGuuluu Jaad, Foam Woman; Ts'uu K'waayGa, Cedar sister; Xuua.jii Jaad, Grizzly Bear Woman; and many others, Williams-Davidson pays homage to these powerful Beings and brings their spirit into the light for new generations and audiences to enjoy and learn from.
Blending visual and performance art with personal reflection, meticulous ethnographic research, and traditional Haida ethical principles, Out of Concealment places the wisdom of Supernatural Beings in a modern context and invites us to reconsider our own relationship to the land, the sea, and the sky. Foreword by Wade Davis and GwaaGanad (Dr. Diane Brown).
The book features over thirty full-colour surreal photo montages that also integrate traditional Haida form-line art by Robert Davidson. "Out of Concealment" was released to coincide with an exhibition of Williams-Davidson’s work at the Haida Gwaii Museum.
Available at fine bookstores or through the Raven Calling Productions store.
For bulk purchases (discounts available) please contact: Heritage Group Distribution; orders@hgdistribution.com.