SHOP
Carrying Culture Forward
Alaska Native artistry is not just about celebrating unique craftsmanship ; it ’ s also about honoring Indigenous culture .
Jennifer Younger , an Alaska Native artist based out of Sitka , applies the traditions of her people to her artwork , highlighting the Native cultures that have shaped Alaska ’ s communities for generations .
Although Jennifer began engraving jewelry in 2012 , her education began much earlier through exposure to her ancestors ’ Tlingit traditions , stories , and designs . Now , she finds inspiration from those influences , along with historic artifacts , spruce root basket weaving , and Tlingit formline , to create copper , silver , and gold jewelry . “ Taking something out of the ‘ archives ,’ so to speak , and making it something that is seen and appreciated in contemporary jewelry makes me proud ,” says Jennifer .
As the recipient of the Rasmuson Foundation Individual Artist Award in 2020 , Jennifer looks forward to expanding her artistic career and sharing her culture with the world . Her work is available for purchase locally at Alaska Pure Sea Salt Company .
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