Hollie Bear Bartlett: Raven in the Sky with Diamonds

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Hollie Bear Bartlett, "Eagle Bracelet," 2018

Hollie Bear Bartlett began her artistic career working in the print industry, primarily as a photographer, but a friendship with Kwakwaka'wakw artist, Corrine Hunt led her into jewellery making. Originally Corrine mentored Hollie once a week, teaching her about drawing, carving and design and instructed her on jewellery engraving. Hollie later approached a European-trained goldsmith, Michael Reynolds, to teach her new techniques and skills such as casting, carving in wax, inlay and stone setting. Hollie likes to push herself and has the determination, the foundation and confidence to be able to do or learn any task she sets for herself, resulting in beautiful, original pieces.

Hollie Bear Bartlett has a love of contemporary design and jewellery which she combines with her knowledge of traditional imagery and techniques. While the beauty of her designs is readily apparent, closer inspection reveals her immense technical skill and craftsmanship. She constantly challenges herself to try new things and improve her work. She has mastered design and engraving techniques such as the intricate cross-hatching that forms the ground against which main figures such as whale, hummingbird and raven are set. This collection includes several works in gold, including a gorgeous cuff, and an earring and pendant set that cleverly splits the Raven design across the three pieces – each looks abstract in design but when placed together they reveal the full image. Several of her pieces are also set with precious and semi-precious stones, such as the diamond sitting in Raven's open beak or the blue sapphire at the centre of a whale's eye. Over the years Hollie's work has been proudly added to numerous Northwest Coast collections around the world.