{"product_id":"he-she-is-oblivious-by-habit-haida-art-bentwood-box-by-alyson-bell","title":"‘Ll K_’āawungiinii 'He\/She is Oblivious by Habit' Haida Bentwood Box by Alyson Bell","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eOwn an original Haida bentwood box by artist Xúndaaya Alyson Bell, titled ‘Ll K_’āawungiinii (He\/She is Oblivious by Habit). Alyson’s design brings an octopus and a crab to life, drawing you into a story that unfolds across the box’s surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis hand-crafted Northwest Coast bentwood box is more than a vessel; it is a story in cedar. The octopus wraps its arms around the box’s gentle curves, while the crab waits quietly inside, hidden from view. The box's shape becomes part of the unfolding narrative.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe octopus, clever and ever-adaptable, symbolizes survival and transformation. The crab, nestled in its shell, embodies innocence and the comfort of not knowing. Together, they reflect the quiet struggle between unease and ease, a feeling many of us know well as we move through life, trying to appear in control.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis original bentwood box was painted by Xúndaaya and fabricated by Reg Davidson, combining their skills to create a functional treasure and a work of art. A perfect addition for collectors and art lovers alike.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eXúndaaya is an apprentice of master artist Robert Davidson. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eShipping is included to Canada and the USA. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFor our collectors across the border, we're pleased to share that this piece ships tariff-free to the United States.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eMedium:\u003c\/strong\u003e Acrylic on yellow cedar\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 17 3\/4\" L x \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e14 3\/8\" W x 10 1\/2\" H\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eYear:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2025\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is a Bentwood Box:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA bentwood box is made using a technique in which a single piece of wood is grooved, steamed, and bent to form the four sides of a box. Bentwood boxes of all sizes were used by Haida and Northwest Coast nations to store treasured regalia, gathered food \u0026amp; supplies.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist Statement:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere comes a point where obliviousness becomes a choice. The crab lives in the sweet bliss of naivety, sheltered and comfortable. It is ignorant of the force lurking and seeking to devour. Ignorance is bliss… but at what cost?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"Octopuses are one of my favourite animals; a fact that played a big part in deciding what I wanted to portray on this bentwood chest. The concept developed into a scene of a predator on the hunt. I incorporated the box itself as an obstacle for the octopus to maneuver around and as shelter for the crab… To be part of the scene, rather than just a canvas. I wanted to illustrate the way this elegant creature navigates and clings to its surroundings. The idea developed further into a more symbolic “predator” as I thought about the real-life threats of our time and how we are all a little too comfortable with what’s happening in the world.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Artist:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eXúndaaya (Alyson Bell) is a member of the Iij’aaw Yahgu ‘Laanaas Raven Clan from Old Massett in Haida Gwaii. She learned to draw formline from her family, spent time in carving sheds as a child, and grew up among artists who continue to inspire her.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn 2023, Alyson graduated from the Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art. She mainly works with acrylics and is learning to carve alder. Right now, she is apprenticing with the well-known Haida artist Robert Davidson.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSee more artwork by \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.crystalcabingallery.com\/collections\/alyson-bell\"\u003eXúndaaya Alyson Bell\u003c\/a\u003e, or explore our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.crystalcabingallery.com\/collections\/bentwood-boxes\"\u003eHaida bentwood boxes\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.crystalcabingallery.com\/collections\/haida-art\"\u003eHaida art\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"stamped-main-widget\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"Crystal Cabin Gallery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50128030269697,"sku":null,"price":5361.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0301\/5331\/0253\/files\/alyson-bell-octopus-bentwood-box-front-1.jpg?v=1794663405","url":"https:\/\/www.crystalcabingallery.com\/en-us\/products\/he-she-is-oblivious-by-habit-haida-art-bentwood-box-by-alyson-bell","provider":"Crystal Cabin Gallery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}