Indigenous Artists
Photos taken by Rochelle Smallwood, an Áak'w Kwáan artist and photographer. This photo series showcases Alaska Native Artists and how they connect to their ancestors today through various mediums. Funded by the Alaska Humanities Forum 2022 Community-Engaged Media Grant.
Liana Wallace
Liana Wallace, a Tlingit weaver and storyteller, connects to her culture through her art by using traditional weaving techniques and storytelling methods that have been passed down through generations. Her intricate pieces often incorporate motifs and symbols significant to Tlingit heritage, allowing her to express her cultural identity and share the stories of her ancestors with contemporary audiences. Through each woven piece, she emphasizes the importance of preserving Tlingit traditions while adapting them to modern contexts, thus fostering a deep connection to her roots and ensuring that her culture remains vibrant and relevant today. By engaging with her community and participating in cultural events, Liana also bridges the gap between past and present, creating a dialogue that honors her heritage while inspiring future generations.
Haliehana Stepetin
Haliehana Stepetin, an Unangax̂ dancer, researcher, poetweaver, and regalia artist, embodies a deep connection to her culture and ancestors through her multifaceted artistic practices. As a dancer, she engages in traditional movements that reflect the stories and rituals of her people, honoring the legacy of those who came before her. This dance serves not only as a form of expression but as a living history that keeps the customs and values of her culture alive. Her research work enables her to delve into the history, language, and traditions of the Unangax̂ people, further enriching her understanding of her heritage. By documenting and sharing this knowledge, she acts as a bridge between generations, ensuring that the wisdom of her ancestors continues to resonate in the present and future. As a poetweaver, Haliehana expresses her cultural narratives through the written word, intertwining personal stories with collective memory and invoking the voices of her ancestors. Her artistry as a regalia artist allows her to create ceremonial garments that carry significant cultural symbolism, incorporating traditional designs and materials that honor her lineage and the natural world. Through these diverse forms of expression, Haliehana Stepetin connects deeply with her cultural identity, drawing strength and inspiration from her ancestors while fostering a sense of community and continuity among her people.
KT Revolinski
KT Revolinski, a Tlingit painter, illustrator, and beader, profoundly connects to her culture and ancestors through her art, which serves as a vibrant expression of her heritage. Drawing inspiration from traditional Tlingit motifs and stories, she weaves historical narratives into her work, allowing her ancestors' wisdom and experiences to resonate with contemporary audiences. By utilizing traditional techniques and materials, KT not only honors her cultural lineage but also rejuvenates and revitalizes Tlingit art forms for future generations. Her creations often reflect the natural world and the spiritual elements intrinsic to Tlingit beliefs, fostering a deep sense of identity and belonging. Through her artistic journey, KT Revolinski embodies the strength and resilience of her people, ensuring that their rich cultural legacy remains alive and accessible.
Jennifer Younger
Jennifer Younger, a Tlingit designer, engraver, weaver, jeweler, and metalsmith, profoundly embodies the essence of her culture and ancestors through her artistic practice. Each piece she creates is rooted in the traditional narratives, motifs, and techniques passed down through generations of Tlingit artisans. By utilizing materials like silver and natural fibers, Younger not only honors the resources of her homeland but also connects with the spirits of her ancestors, who have long celebrated the interconnectedness of nature and art. Her meticulous engravings and intricate weavings often incorporate symbols and stories central to Tlingit heritage, serving as a bridge between the past and present. Through her work, Younger fosters a sense of identity and continuity, empowering both herself and her community to embrace their rich cultural legacy while advocating for its recognition and preservation in contemporary art.
Ezra Elisoff
Ezra Elisoff, a Tlingit dancer, singer, and language scholar, embodies a profound connection to his culture and ancestors through his artistic expression and dedication to preserving the Tlingit language. In his performances, Ezra not only showcases traditional dance and music but also channels the stories, values, and teachings of his people, honoring generations that have come before him. By weaving the rich tapestry of Tlingit folklore and history into his work, he strengthens the bridge between past and present, allowing contemporary audiences to experience the vibrancy of his heritage. Furthermore, as a language scholar, Ezra plays a crucial role in revitalizing the Tlingit language, ensuring that the wisdom and identity of his ancestors continue to thrive in future generations. Through these endeavors, he fosters a deep sense of community and belonging, reaffirming the importance of cultural continuity in a rapidly changing world.
Janine Gibbons
Janine Gibbons, a talented Haida jeweler, painter, and illustrator, intricately weaves her artistic practice with the rich tapestry of her cultural heritage and ancestral connections. Through her work, Gibbons pays homage to her Haida roots, drawing inspiration from the ancient stories, traditions, and artistic techniques passed down through generations. Each piece she creates, whether it be intricate jewelry or vivid illustrations, reflects the profound spiritual connection she feels to her ancestors and the natural world that surrounds her. By incorporating traditional motifs and narratives into her art, Gibbons not only honors her lineage but also plays a vital role in the revitalization and preservation of Haida culture. Her creative expressions serve as a bridge between the past and present, allowing her to share the wisdom and stories of her ancestors with contemporary audiences, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for Indigenous culture.
Ashley Young
Ashley Young, a talented Tlingit singer-songwriter, potter, painter, and illustrator, deeply connects to her culture and ancestry through her diverse artistic expressions. She draws inspiration from the rich traditions, stories, and values of her Tlingit heritage, infusing her work with elements that reflect her lineage and community. Through music, Young not only honors the oral histories of her ancestors but also serves as a conduit for sharing these narratives with younger generations, fostering a sense of pride and belonging. In her pottery and visual art, she incorporates traditional designs and motifs that resonate with Tlingit cultural symbolism, bridging the past with the present. By creating art that is rooted in her identity, Young not only celebrates her heritage but also empowers others to embrace their own cultural stories, solidifying her role as a custodian of her community's legacy.
Chloey Cavanaugh
Chloey Cavanaugh, a talented Tlingit graphic designer and storyteller, deeply connects to her culture and ancestors through her creative work, which serves as a vibrant reflection of her heritage. By incorporating traditional Tlingit motifs, stories, and teachings into her designs, she honors the legacy of her forebearers while reinterpreting their narratives for contemporary audiences. Cavanaugh’s storytelling is rooted in the oral traditions of her people, allowing her to weave tales that resonate with both personal and communal identity. Through her art, she not only preserves the wisdom of her ancestors but also empowers future generations to embrace their cultural roots, fostering a sense of pride and continuity in the face of modern challenges. In this way, Cavanaugh stands as a bridge between past and present, celebrating the resilience and richness of Tlingit culture.
Brian Adams
Brian Adams, an Iñupiaq storyteller, writer, videographer, and film photographer, profoundly connects to his culture and ancestors through his artistic expressions. By weaving traditional narratives and contemporary themes into his work, Adams honors the rich history and heritage of the Iñupiaq people. His storytelling preserves the oral traditions handed down through generations, bringing to life the wisdom and experiences of his ancestors. Through his photography and videography, he captures the land, community, and cultural practices of the Iñupiaq, emphasizing the deep relationship between identity and environment. Adams' art serves not only as a means of personal expression but also as a vital conduit for cultural preservation, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of indigenous perspectives in today’s world.