Contemporary Methods in Northwest Coast Native Art: Bronze Forton Casting

Ben Davidson, Bronze Forton Casting, Half of U #5/12, 10 3/4" x 21 1/2", $2,500.00 CAD

Haida artist Ben Davidson brings a new dimension to contemporary Northwest Coast art through his use of the Bronze Forton Casting technique.This type of casting is a method of cold bronze casting that uses a mixture of extremely fine bronze powder and Forton, a harder, denser and non-toxic version of industrial plaster. Upon hardening, the casting is removed from the mold and any imperfections are chased and cleaned. The result is a finished bronze surface that has the look, feel and weight of a traditionally cast bronze sculpture.

The three-dimensional appearance of the cast offers a unique alternative to wood sculpture and two-dimensional prints. The simplicity of the single blue color choice is non-traditional and also gives the sculpture a crisp, polished finish. This piece, titled Half of U, is numbered 5 of an edition of 12 and is available for $2,500.00 CAD.

Ben is the son of internationally renowned Haida artist Robert Davidson and is an original member of the Rainbow Creek Dancers, a traditional Haida dance group. His experience with dancing with this group as well as learning traditional Haida art from his father and uncle, Reg Davidson, has allowed him to continually explore the relationship between Haida art and culture.