Learning to Carve Argillite

Davidson and Davidson’s story is a snapshot of a memory that cohesively and effectively expresses a childhood embedded in love, in family, in tradition, and in art. One of the most profound themes of the book is the patience and time devoted to the creation of a piece of art, from finding the material, shaping it, to adding the last details. Curiously, one of the First Peoples Principles of Learning is: learning involves patience and time. Learning to Carve Argillite demonstrates a beautiful balance of how learning involves patience and time as the protagonist shapes an eagle from a piece of argillite taken from the side of Slatchuck Mountain.

When the protagonist shows the slowly forming eagle to his tsinii, the reader can sense the tension, the anticipation and the longing for recognition. Patience and time are required. His tsinii knows just the right tools, the right depth of each cut and groove to make the eagle come alive. One of my favourite lines in the book is,

I know he laughs because he is proud of my work, but I am still disappointed that my eagle is not yet complete. Even so, when he placed the pole back in my hands, I can see his carving has brought the argillite eagle to life.

The artwork is beautiful and thoughtful, often requiring second and third looks to pick up hidden details as the colours and flow of the images draw the eye over the pages. There is also a clear map on the end pages that teachers and students alike will find useful.

This picture book operates as a read-aloud, a personal read, and even as a meditation as readers are able to think deeply and pause as they journey with a young artist through the traditions and skills of making art. The protagonist identifies as Haida descent. Learning to Carve Argillite will make a marvelous addition to elementary classrooms and art classrooms across the country.