Browse Collection Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
The Cavelti–Reid Bracelet Press Kit |
Object Name |
Kit, Press |
Catalog Number |
2006.1.5.3 |
Creator |
Toni Cavelti |
Date |
2019/08/14 |
Scope & Content |
Item is a press kit providing information on The Cavelti–Reid Bracelet. It contains a photograph of The Cavelti–Reid Bracelet (2006.1.5.1), a statement about the bracelet by Toni Cavelti, a copy of the original Bill Reid drawing (2006.1.5.2), and a copy of one of Toni Cavelti's early sketches. 2006.1.5.3a: Folder 2006.1.5.3b: Photograph of bracelet 2006.1.5.3c: Statement by Toni Cavelti 2006.1.5.3d: Copy of Bill Reid drawing 2006.1.5.3e: Copy of Toni Cavelti sketch The folder that holds the Press Kit is 9.25" by 11.5" in size. Toni Cavelti's statement reads, "THE CAVELTI - REID BRACELET: It was probably in the early 1980's when Bill Reid, while doodling with ideas on a piece of paper, drew a bangle bracelet centered by a bear mask. He wrote on it: 'WHAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BECOME THE FIRST OF THE GREAT CAVELTI-REID CREATIONS, & WHO KNOWS STILL MAY, BILL.' I met Bill in the late 1950's he was an announcer with the CBC and making jewellery. I had just arrived from Switzerland with my box of jewellery making tools and that's what brought us together, an interest in jewellery making , the making of small things. I truly believe that making jewellery was Bill's greatest passion and love and for me it was a matter of survival. We became friends, a friendship of a lifetime. I had great admiration for his intellect, his knowledge of things, music, literature, and history which he shared with those who were close to him. He was generous, he would bring us his latest print inscribed 'To Toni and Hildegarde' and once he gave me an original silver bear mask together with the mould encouraging me to use it and include it in my inventory. We shared a workspace for a short time but we soon realized we had different work schedules and habits. The CAVELTI-REID Bracelet idea however did not leave me. I know he had wanted to do it, and I hope he would approve its final realization. I hope he would have liked it, I know he would have looked at it critically and, like the master he was, he would have turned it over, he would have examined the hinges, the clasp which had to click properly and the finishing he would have been delighted by the pavee set diamonds set in platinum, he loved luxury and extravagance. I would love to see him now, to see his reaction, waiting to see pleasure and his great wide smile of approval yes, that's what I would have hoped to see, nothing more, nothing less, enough to make it worthwhile. I have been away from active jewellery making for over 15 years. The making of jewellery requires a sharp set of eyes, steady, strong hands, and above all, a love of creating a thing that had not been done before and exists only in one's mind. It takes lots and lots of patience. At one time I had it all but age took its toll. I needed help to put this piece together and found in my trusted and longtime previous employee Patrick Casanova and his son Andrew and Mary-Ann Buis of Costen Catbalue who lovingly added delicate finishing touches. I am proud also to mention my dear brother Franz, a great admirer of Bill Reid who skillfully cast the masks. Without those great people this, the CAVELTI-REID bracelet, would not have been made. TONI CAVELTI April 23, 2015. |
Level of description |
Item |
Collection |
Cavelti Collection |
Parent Catalog Number |
2006.1.5 |
Credit line |
Donated by Toni & Hildegard Cavelti |
Ownership |
Bill Reid Foundation |
Relation |
Show Related Records... |
People |
Reid, Bill Cavelti, Toni |
Subjects |
Anton Cavelti Art Artists Bear Bill Reid Bracelets Collaboration Document Drawings Grizzly Metalwork Jewellery Press Kit Toni Cavelti |
Search Terms |
Anton Cavelti Art Artists Bear Bill Reid Bracelets Collaboration Document Drawings Grizzly Metalwork Jewellery Press Kit Toni Cavelti |