Bill Reid’s Desk

Bill in his studio, working at his desk c. 1982. Photo by Robert Keziere, courtesy of the UBC Museum of Anthropology

ILJUWAS BILL REID

Acclaimed Haida artist Bill Reid (1920-1998) has deeply influenced Jesse and his artistic practice. This desk is where Bill made masterful repoussé jewelry, among other works, for decades.

Bill and Jesse’s mother, Edna Brillon, were good friends, so Jesse has fond memories of these times as he was growing up. Bill was also the first person to commission Jesse for his work, who was around 17 at the time.  Bill had sketched a killer whale onto the interior wall of their friend’s commercial fishing boat, and asked Jesse to paint it. Throughout the summer, Jesse will be creating his own masterpieces at Bill’s desk, which is a true honour for Bill’s family.