As a contemporary Tlingit artist I am fortunate to have a rich artistic heritage. I fully respect and admire artwork that is considered “traditional”. As a young girl I worked closely with my mother as she made moccasins and understood the protocol in beading our clan symbols. However, as a contemporary artist I am concerned by the pervasive commercialization and exploitation of Tlingit art and, at the same time, must consider the proper and respectful methods for inclusion in current non-traditional work.

The goal is to create art pieces that will not represent the “sell–out” factor but will instead work in both the fine art world and at home. Just as traditional art, in the past and present, represents political and social issues, so can contemporary art. Sharing my work with a wide audience, Native and non-native, I hope to honor our Tlingit heritage, raise awareness and encourage dialogue that will challenge stereotypes and deconstruct false histories.