Native Art and Social Pressure A few years back, a friend of mine proposed that native artists have a responsibility to give back to the art. His belief was that our cultural art form was not ours to begin with. He argued that it belongs to our ancestors. He insisted...
How I Got Interested in Face Casts My interest in casting began when I was working on set design on “Tlingit Macbeth” with Perseverence Theater in 2005, a play written and directed by Anita Maynard-Losh. See on “Tlingit Macbeth” on Vimeo....
Many people are drawn to our Northwest Coast Formline style, understandably. It’s got a unique elegance.For some, it’s not enough to admire, they wish to learn how to create their own work in this style. If that’s you, hopefully this post will be...
The story of Salmon Boy is told as a lesson in proper relationship with the land and its resources, with the Animal Peoples and the sacrifice they make that man should have sustenance. An attitude of utmost respect is demanded, since our lives depended on the...
It’s quite a busy Fall! As I mentioned in yesterday’s blog, I’ve been taking Drawing classes at the University of Alaska Southeast with Norm Campbell instructor. I’ve had to miss a few classes due to travel, but am learning and...
I work a seasonal position at the Sheldon Jackson Museum (SJM), May 1 – September 30. I thought that would be ideal for getting lots and lots of artwork done. Not quite that easy! I co-teach 3 classes with the Rural Human Services (RHS) Program in...
Does inspiration for art come from some sacred place? Am I driven by my art, or is my art driven by me? In the latter, is that simply my ego suggesting that I should take credit for the source of my creation? And does that get in the way of true inspiration? Can my...
That line between two worlds is becoming blurred in the sense that we Natives live in the global, modern, technological, achievement-oriented 21st century world. On the other hand, we are responsible for defining and determining our cultural identity, traditions,...
I’ve stated before my love of teaching our Tlingit formline design. I teach about the uses of our art as clan crests. I teach about the basic rules in order to start designing within this art style. I try to make it interesting, meaningful and fun. So I was...
Killer Whale painting I did 10 years ago which the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage purchased for their collection. Earlier this year, I began painting a little larger scale. I find myself putting in just as much detail as my smaller paintings though, as you...
