Robert Davidson was born in 1946 in Alaska to a renowned family of artists. His great grandfather was the acclaimed Haida artist, Charles Edenshaw.

During his long career as an Indigenous artist, Davidson became instrumental in the direction that modern Northwest coast art has taken. He is a master in every medium from jewellery making to wood carving and painting.

Robert apprenticed with the late great Bill Reid, who taught him sculpture and design. Subsequently, in 1967 he enrolled in the Vancouver School of Art. Davidson credits the school for helping him improve his drawing skills.

Davidson is a highly decorated artist. He is the recipient of the Order of British Columbia, the Order of Canada, the Governor General Award for Visual Arts, as well as the Audain Prize for Lifetime Achievement Award for Visual Arts, one of Canada’s most prestigious awards. He also holds numerous honourary degrees from universities in Canada and the US.