Best known as a master carver in the Coast Salish tradition, Andrea Wilbur-Sigo is the first known woman carver in a family with a long tradition of the artform. Working early on in beadwork, Wilbur-Sigo was fascinated by sculptural forms, and has since been acclaimed for her work across a range of media and subject matter including bentwood boxes, welcome figures, house posts, masks, panels, button blankets, twine, twill weaving, and baskets weaving. Wilbur-Sigo notes, “It’s always said, ‘Women didn’t carve.’ That was normal and a lot of people believed it. But I come from a lot of stubborn women. You can’t tell me they didn’t pick up a knife and carve.” (1)
Many of the artist’s most important works are in public collections and major works by the artist are uncommon on the secondary market. Wilbur-Sigo’s creations are on public display and held in collections at the University of Washington; Chief Seattle Clubs, an affordable housing development in Victoria, BC; Washington State Convention Center, City of Olympia, and Kraken Community complex in Northgate, WA, among others. (2)
The present box, made in a Northern Northwest Coast style is finely carved and painted in a corner orientation. Of traditional pegged construction, it is made without the use of adhesives. The lid and base are cut from red cedar, as are the four walls of the box, which are carved and steam-bent from a single 44-inch length of timber.
ABOUT THE AUCTION
Held online from May 24-29, 2024, Waddington’s is pleased to present our major spring auction of exceptional Inuit & First Nations Art. Important artworks this season include sculpture and graphics by Karoo Ashevak, Jessie Oonark, Kiakshuk, John Pangnark, Pauta Saila, Aisa Qupirualu Alasua, Parr, Osuitok Ipeelee, Kiugak Ashoona, Joe Talirunili, John Kavik, Kenojuak Ashevak, Johnny Inukpuk, Thomas Ugjuk, Ennutsiak, Davidialuk Alasua Amittu, Beau Dick, Charlie James, David Ruben Piqtoukun, Abraham Apakark Anghik, Manasie Akpaliapik, Judas Ullulaq, Barnabus Arnasungaaq, and John Tiktak.
Previews will be available at our Toronto gallery, located at 275 King Street East, Second Floor, Toronto:
Thursday, May 23 from 10 am to 5 pm
Friday, May 24 from 10 am to 5 pm
Saturday, May 25 from 12 pm to 4 pm
Sunday, May 26 from 12 pm to 4 pm
Monday, May 27 from 10 am to 5 pm
Tuesday, May 28 from 10 am to 5 pm
Or by appointment.
Please contact us for more information
(1) Brennan, Natasha. “From house posts to hockey sticks, squaxin artist Andrea Wilbur-Sigo carves her way.” The News Tribune. May 27, 2022. https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/state/washington/article255590371.html
(2) Stusser, Danny and Julia Ornedo. “‘Unity’ gateway carvings unveiled on Eastside Street.” The JOLT News. December 8, 2023. https://www.thejoltnews.com/stories/unity-gateway-carvings-unveiled-on-eastside-street,4533
