2020 November | Hodgins Art Auctions

Notes:

signed lower right; titled & dated on the artist’s label verso (AL-616)

Notes:

signed & dated lower right; signed & titled verso

Notes:

signed in pencil; monogrammed in the block (MBL232)
Provenance: Agghazy Gallery, Calgary AB

Notes:

signed lower right; titled on the artist’s and gallery labels verso
Provenance: Canada House Gallery, Banff AB

Notes:

signed lower left; titled verso
Provenance: Canada House Gallery, Banff AB

Notes:

signed lower right; titled on the stretcher and dated on the canvas verso

Daphne Odjig’s work is often associated with the Woodland School and reflects the artistic influence of both European Modernism and the artist’s Anashinabe heritage, yet her distinct style defies categorization. Odjig resists the labeling of her art, whether as Woodland, “Indian”, feminist or political: “My art is my primary statement”. Her images are the product of deeply personal and spiritual forces:

“For me it has been an endless source of delight and wonderment that awareness, thought and recognition can come seemingly unbidden from an inner source….Every artist, either wittingly or unwittingly, must draw on this eternal source which is both practical and mystical.”

This compelling work, from a mature and accomplished period of Odjig’s career, bears the thematic and stylistic imagery that has become the hallmark of her work. Two groups of sheltered figures are cradled by the protective limbs and canopy of the trees; the night sky above is tranquil and mystical. In this lyrical work, the individual elements come together to demonstrate the balance and synergy that exist between nature, culture and spirituality.

Daphne Odjig was the first female First Nations artist to be featured in a solo exhibition at the National Gallery of Canada. Organized by the Art Gallery of Sudbury, “The Drawings and Paintings of Daphne Odjig: A Retrospective Exhibition” (October 2009 to January 2010) showcased works spanning a long and accomplished career.

Notes:

signed lower right; signed, titled & dated verso

One of Canada’s most beloved painters, Edward Hardy (Ted) Harrrison was born in the village of Wingate In County Durham, England. His talent was evident early in life, and he was encouraged by his parents (particularly his mother) and teachers to attend art school. In 1943, Harrison enrolled in Hartlepool College of Art, but his studies were interrupted by WWII, during which time he served in India, Egypt and East Africa as part of the Intelligence Unit of the British Army. Following his military service, Harrison completed his Diploma in Design (1950) and a subsequent Art Teacher Diploma at King’s College, University of Durham (1951). Harrison soon began what would be a 28 year career in teaching. Along with his wife and son, he travelled to Malaysia and New Zealand before arriving in Canada in 1967. He initially taught in the Northern Alberta town of Wabasca, before settling in the small town of Carcross, Yukon Territories in 1968.

In 1969, Ted Harrison held his first Canadian exhibition in the Whitehorse Library. His first major Canadian exhibition followed in 1970, at Robertson Galleries, in Ottawa. Harrison completed a BA at the University of Alberta in 1977, and retired from teaching in 1980 in order to pursue his art career full-time, moving to Victoria British Columbia in 1993.
Ted Harrison is known for his bold, colourful, and rhythmic paintings, depicting the landscape and everyday scenes of the Yukon. He has gained international recognition for his paintings, which can be found in many public and private collections, as well as for his children’s stories and illustrations. Ted Harrison received many honours during his career: He designed the visuals for the entrance to the Yukon Pavilion at Expo 86; designed a Canada Post Christmas stamp in 1996; received the Order of Canada in 1987 and the Order of British Columbia in 2008; was awarded an honourary doctorate from the University of Athabasca and from Malaspina College, a distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Alberta and an honorary doctorate in Fine Arts from the University of Victoria. The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria held a retrospective of the the artist’s work in 1996 and again in 2009: “Ted Harrison: Painting Paradise”.

Notes:

signed, titled, dated & editioned in pencil

Notes:

signed, titled & editioned in pencil; monogrammed in the block
MBL110
Note: Illustrated on page 67 of “The Tranquility and the Turbulence: The Life and Work of Walter J. Phillips” (Roger Boulet; M. B. Loates Publishing Ltd.; 1981).

Notes:

signed & titled “Rundle” in pencil (MBL244)