Robert was an artist before he was born. Self taught through his early life he later enrolled at Emily Carr Institute of Fine Arts (1985 to 89). He graduated from Emily Carr a major in printmaking. While at college Robert began exploring the Haida art form and his ancestral roots. Closely watching the monumental creations that Bill Reid and his apprentices worked on at Granville Island inspired Robert even more to pursue the form. When Robert moved home to Haida Gwaii
he continued to watch and listen to apprentices Garner Moody, Bill Bellis, Tim Boyko that had worked with Reid in Vancouver.
Robert Arnfin Vogstad has paternal connection to Norway and is
now the third generation living in Canada. Maternally, Robert’Äôs
family can be traced continuously back to the beginning of Haida genealogy. Robert is a Raven from Naikoon, belonging to K’ÄôyaaNuu Salii (Cod people). His family crests are Raven, Grizzly, Dogfish, Killerwhale and Star.
His Nunis (grandmothers) paternal roots come from Yanlaanaas.
Chief Stilta was her gogii (great uncle). Simeon was her great chini (grandfather). Simeon Sdihldaa was a master carver of innovation
and a refined Haida style. Robert gets his inspiration and direction from his great, great, great chini, Simeon Sdihldaa as well as
Simeon’Äôs contemporaries Charles Edenshaw, John Robson and
Amus Kit Elswa.
