David B. Williams (Canadian Ojibway, 1947-2009). "Clan Protector - Returning Grizzly" gouache on paper, 1991. Signed, dated, and titled in pencil on bottom. A wonderful gouache painting by self-taught Ojibway artist David B. Williams depicting a seated figure dressed in traditional clothing, beckoning to an approaching grizzly bear with open arms. In addition, the composition includes circular motifs and encircling gestural marks that carry symbolism. Williams was a devoted single parent, and he oftentimes included three red circles in his paintings to represent his three sons as well as a single yellow circle to represent his daughter. Finally, the green looping motifs signify nature's life cycles. Size: 9.4" L x 12.875" W (23.9 cm x 32.7 cm) Size of frame: 16.375" L x 19.9" W (41.6 cm x 50.5 cm)According to Bearclaw Gallery, David B. Williams "moved from his Ontario reserve to work as a writer and photographer for a publication known as 'Indian Voice'. In 1977, he moved to Vancouver hoping to find a writing job but was unsuccessful. Because he was unable to bend his hip or knee as a result of a bone infection, he found a piece of cedar from the beach and began to carve himself a cane. It turned into a sculpture. David carved a Thunderbird on the top and etched the image down the sides. On a whim he took it to a local art gallery, it sold immediately. The gallery then supplied David with some paint and paper and so began his career as an artist."David Williams' art has been collected by Peace Hills Trust, Winnipeg's Aboriginal Centre, the Manitoba government and the Department of Indian Affairs, as well as the Denver Museum of Fine Arts, the Mendel in Saskatoon, Canada Council Art Bank, and the McMichael Gallery in Kleinberg Ontario. Provenance: ex-private Bishop Family Trust collection, the Trust of the late Bill Bishop, a noted antiquarian with shops in Scottsdale, Arizona and Allenspark, Colorado, USA, acquired before 2010 All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping. #173139