Biography
When I was five years old my Uncle Jim placed a wood-carving blade in my hand for the first time. Cutting myself on the first stroke, my journey as an artist began, and I have been carving ever since. Throughout my life I've been fortunate to have worked with many great mentors, but there are two that I consider the most influential in the development of my artistic style. These two men are my Uncles and have driven me to become the artist that I am today. Kenny Jackson taught me the traditional formline methods and Jim Schoppert taught me to push the boundaries of traditional formline to create contemporary pieces. Incorporating these two techniques has helped me evolve into my stylistic vision of Northwest Coastal art.
I have always enjoyed sharing my knowledge with others. I have been a cultural role model at the Alaska Native Heritage Center and taught subsistence living and processing of indigenous foods, to Alaska Natives and others who wish to learn these ways. In addition I have participated in many Tlingit training camps as tradition bearer, teaching art and dance. I have also been a Para Educator with the Juneau school system sharing my knowledge of traditional Tlingit dance, art, and songs with children ages 5 to 11. This allowed me the unique opportunity of passing on knowledge to the next generation of young people.
I have always enjoyed sharing my knowledge with others. I have been a cultural role model at the Alaska Native Heritage Center and taught subsistence living and processing of indigenous foods, to Alaska Natives and others who wish to learn these ways. In addition I have participated in many Tlingit training camps as tradition bearer, teaching art and dance. I have also been a Para Educator with the Juneau school system sharing my knowledge of traditional Tlingit dance, art, and songs with children ages 5 to 11. This allowed me the unique opportunity of passing on knowledge to the next generation of young people.
Philosophy of Native Art
My art is made out of respect for my Tlingit Heritage. Although I like to extend the boundaries of traditional Coastal art in many of my pieces, I consider myself a traditionalist at heart while using many modern methods to produce my work. Exploring new art forms from traditional methods allows my heritage to thrive and expand with the world around me.
The Museum of Musical Instruments in Phoenix, Arizona houses two Tlingit rattles that I created; one carved of Yellow Cedar, the other made of seashells bound with moose leather. I have also enjoyed the honor of being a featured artist at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. In 2008, I was invited to carve our state's largest pumpkin in Kenai, Alaska; at 907 pounds it was a fun way to demonstrate Tlingit carving techniques to the community in a medium that I had not carved in such scale before.
Many of my carving tools are hand made, because traditional carvers did not have the opportunity to purchase them. It allows me to stay connected to my heritage and furthers my knowledge of native artistry before my time. Every piece that I create is a combination of my soul as an artist and the spirits of the medium that I am working with. I draw my inspiration by living my life as a Tlingit, and experiencing my cultural background at every opportunity. I love being an artist for the pleasure that comes from people viewing, wearing and enjoying my art.
The Museum of Musical Instruments in Phoenix, Arizona houses two Tlingit rattles that I created; one carved of Yellow Cedar, the other made of seashells bound with moose leather. I have also enjoyed the honor of being a featured artist at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. In 2008, I was invited to carve our state's largest pumpkin in Kenai, Alaska; at 907 pounds it was a fun way to demonstrate Tlingit carving techniques to the community in a medium that I had not carved in such scale before.
Many of my carving tools are hand made, because traditional carvers did not have the opportunity to purchase them. It allows me to stay connected to my heritage and furthers my knowledge of native artistry before my time. Every piece that I create is a combination of my soul as an artist and the spirits of the medium that I am working with. I draw my inspiration by living my life as a Tlingit, and experiencing my cultural background at every opportunity. I love being an artist for the pleasure that comes from people viewing, wearing and enjoying my art.
