Congratulations to the 2009 Rasmuson Foundation Distinguished Artist, Nathan Jackson.
Every year Alaska’s Rasmuson Foundation bestows a Distinguished Artist Award to one of Alaska’s talented artists. How they ever decide which one person gets this top distinction is beyond me. This year’s recipient is truly remarkable. A visual artist, jewelry maker, carver and mentor, Nathan Jackson is known best for carving traditional totem poles. To stand at the base of a totem pole and look up is a remarkable experience. They seem to practically vibrate with life and meaning, and He has also been tireless in his efforts to pass this dying art on to a new generation, passing on a rich and vibrant part of his culture.
~~Artist, Nathan Jackson~~
This $25,000 award will allow Jackson to do what every artist dreams of doing – following his heart and his passion in any way he wishes. He will be able to immerse himself in his work, and let his own creative muse take him where it will.
Rasmuson Foundation President and CEO Diane Kaplan said, “Nathan Jackson is dedicated to his art and to maintaining the traditions that epitomize the style of Southeast Alaska carving. We are thrilled to recognize his contributions to Alaska with this award.”
Nathan Jackson was born into the Sockeye Clan on the Raven side of the Chilkoot-Tlingit tribe. He was raised in Southeast Alaska, spending most of his time in the Haines area where he learned about his Tlingit heritage from his clan uncle and grandfather. After completion of military service in Germany, Jackson enrolled in the Institute of American Indian Arts where he specialized in fabric design, silk screen and graphics. Since 1967, he has been creating masks, panels, house posts, totem poles and jewelry using traditional Tlingit Northwest Coast formline design in his own unique style. In 1988 he received an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities from the University of Alaska; and in 1995 was the recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts Heritage Fellowship Award. His work is in museums and private collections around the world. He currently resides in Ketchikan.
Congratulations to Mr. Jackson for this well deserved recognition for representing and passing on to others what is genuine and enduring about Alaska.
seattlefan–it’s likely you may have seen some of his work, though he actually does his carving down in Saxman at the Totem Park. I think there’s also a pole at the Burke that’s his (maybe…the one I’m thinking of is paired with one by the carver’s son that is much more contemporary. Last time we saw them they were in the lower level exhibit of art from around the Pacific Rim.)
Thanks for sharing this incredible artist! wow is all I can say as well.
I especially love his intent of teaching, passing, on this artform..he is amazing!
How refreshing to see someone from Alaska with talent, whose art is displayed around the world. A breath of fresh air. Congratulations, Nathan Jackson!!
amazing work of the spirit ~~ thanks for sharing. Art is our path back to ourselves ~~
Wow, what a talented artist! =)
Exquisite. Thank you for sharing.
Congratulations to Nathan Jackson! I have the pleasure of living in SE Alaska, and his name and art is well known. Wonderful!
Wonderful. I have seen totems in Vancouver and the Seattle area, but his work is magnificent. Thanks for sharing, AKM.
Superb choice. Great artist. Terrific human being.
Love totem poles..Beautiful..Thanks for sharing AKM…Congrats to Mr. Jackson…
My husband’s family friend carved a totem pole for hubby’s family. Neither hubby’s family nor the carver is native American, but it is fabulous and a treasured piece in our family. Fortunately, we got custody and it watches proudly over us in our yard.
Truly amazing! Living in the Puget Sound area, we have adopted a lot of the traditional art work from Alaska. So people sometimes think of it as traditional here – it’s not. But I love it that we have that influence. When the girls were younger one of the Camp Fire projects was to learn more about the totem pole at Camp Sealth. We found out a lot, but never learned the story, and I was surprised to learn that the story was told by the carver, not written down anywhere and if that legend isn’t passed along, it’s a lost story. But looking at the traditional meaning for the different carvings and the style of the pole was a great way to learn more about Tlingit history.
Beautiful work. Very deserving of Distinguished Artist Award.
Just one more example why Native culture needs to be protected from the likes of those who see modern life as only a “cash-based society.”
The more ephemeral artistic and spiritual dimensions of cultural groups require respect and intentional nurturing…….These dimensions should not be subject to a “survival of the fittest” mentality in a civilized society.
Congratulations, Mr. Jackson. What gorgeous art. I’ve always loved totems. Most people don’t realize that southeastern Native Americans made totems also, but very few survived because of the conditions. I would love to see his art up close and personal.
I am not familiar with his art, but will google it and try to learn something about it. I have been to Alaska and love totem poles. Congratulations to Mr. Jackson! I have been to Ketchikan and am wondering, since he lives there, if some of the totem poles I saw there were his. Anyone know?
I have admired Mr Jacksons work for a long time. He truly deserves this award. My congratulations to him and the people of Alaska.
Congragulations Mr. Jackson, beautiful worksmanship. Thank you for not letting this art die. Native Americans are this country.
I like the way your whole blog comes up in google reader, not just a snippet. It’s been that way for the last couple of days. Thanks for changing it.
BlueVAGirl
Susan
I’m not Alaskan but am still proud of this choice.
All I can say is “wow!”
I’ve always found totem poles intriguing. The work of an artist with a story to tell. In spite of the current landscape, Alaska has much to be proud of.
The only surprising thing about the award is that it took so long. He is without a doubt a living legend.
His work is AMAZING! And he’s doing a great job of passing on the knowledge too.
Hahahaha, austintx!
Congrats to Mr. Jackson. Stunning work.
Me too austexas I may know some things cause fo family living in Anchorage now but I sure learn a lot about the rest of Alaska from mudflatts.
WOW !! Opened my screen to an awesome sight !! Boobs to fine art………that’s what I love about the ‘flats…….the diversity !!