ASA CPE CSPWC RCA
1884 - 1963
Canadian
Karlukwees, BC
colour woodcut, 1929
signed, titled and editioned 21/100
10 1/2 x 12 1/2 in, 26.7 x 31.7 cm
Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000 CAD
Sold for: $40,950
Preview at: Heffel Vancouver
PROVENANCE
Private Collection, Vancouver
LITERATURE
Duncan Campbell Scott, Walter J. Phillips, 1947, reproduced page 27
Carlyle Allison, The Art of W.J. Phillips, 1970, the watercolour and graphite sketch entitled Karlukwees, Village Island and the woodcut reproduced, unpaginated
Michael J. Gribbon, Walter J. Phillips, A Selection of His Works and Thoughts, National Gallery of Canada, 1978, reproduced front cover, the original watercolour and graphite sketch entitled Karlukwees, BC reproduced page 64, the larger finished watercolour reproduced page 65 and a photograph of Walter J. Phillips holding an impression of the woodcut page 62
Roger Boulet, The Tranquility and the Turbulence, 1981, page 101, the related 1926 watercolour Myth of the Thunderbird (Karlukwees) reproduced page 101, the 1927 watercolour and graphite sketch entitled Karlukwees, Village Island and the woodcut reproduced pages 125 and 126
Roger Boulet, Walter J. Phillips, The Complete Graphic Works, 1981, reproduced page 319
EXHIBITED
National Gallery of Canada, Walter J. Phillips, 1978, same image
Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, To the Totem Forests, Emily Carr and Contemporaries Interpret Coastal Villages, August 5 - October 31, 1999, same image, catalogue #55.26.59
In 1927, Walter J. Phillips undertook a sketching trip to the West Coast, visiting his sister at Alert Bay and then traveling by boat to Tsatsisnukomi, Mamalilicoola and Karlukwees, a small settlement on Village Island at the entrance to Knight Inlet. He wrote, “We found another village – Karlukwees – more interesting than the others. The clean white beach had borrowed its shape from the new moon…..Karlukwees provided many subjects for painting. In fact, never have I seen a more delectable sketching ground. I regretted leaving the coast, and I long to return.” This superb woodcut is considered to be the crowning glory of Phillips’s woodcut oeuvre. Not only is it technically superb, but its atmosphere of stillness and peace, together with the delicate impression of falling snow, create an unforgettable atmosphere. It is also a poignant record – sadly, little remains of this village today. In 1929, Karlukwees was awarded a gold medal for best colour woodcut by the Society of Arts and Crafts, Boston, and the National Gallery of Canada has two impressions in their collection.
Please note: included with this lot is a copy of the book The Tranquility and the Turbulence by Roger Boulet.
Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000 CAD
All prices are in Canadian Dollars
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