Jerrod Galanin

I come from a long lineage of Tlingit artists spanning multiple generations. My art is more than a career—it is a calling. I am in awe of the Tlingit art form’s visual language, how it can embody both simple elegance and infinite complexity at the same time. I grew up watching my father and my uncle, both professional artists who were also my primary mentors, practice and speak about this art and our culture, passing this knowledge on to me like a torch just as it had been from their grandfather before. Though it was handed to me over the years in bits and pieces, in skills and stories, I understand now what it means to be a carrier of this torch, a holder of the ancient knowledge and beauty of Tlingit culture. After weathering generations worth of forced assimilation, colonization, and institutionalized racism, this torch in itself is a feat of resilience and of defiance. I strive to stay true to those before me and to inspire those who come after me. I hope to leave my mark, my experiences and perceptions, before I too pass the torch onto the next generation of culture bearers.

While it’s my turn to be a carrier, I want to share with the world the beauty and sophistication of my culture and its art. I strive to push myself to be the best at what I do while honoring the beauty of what was and what has yet to be. As a Tlingit artist, I want to inspire and invite you to see this beauty. I work in many materials, including silver, copper, fur, wood, skins, and more, and employ both traditional and contemporary techniques and materials as I explore my voice, strengthen my design, and express my experiences.

Jerrod's work can be found in galleries across Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. To learn more about Jerrod's work, view his Portfolio and Resume.