ARTIST'S STATEMENT

I was born and raised in Southeast Alaska, surrounded by mountains, forests, and the sea. Totem poles and the rich visual traditions of Northwest Coast Native art were part of my world and inspired a lifelong engagement with the arts and cultures of indigenous peoples of the region.

Alongside my professional life as an archaeologist, museum professional, and college professor, I studied carving and silver engraving with several Native mentors. After retirement, I focused on painting and creating works that express both my personal experiences growing up on the Northwest Coast and the profound influence of past and present Native artists whose traditions I studied, documented, and deeply admired.