I am Tlingit, Eagle and a Dogsalmon. I am a child of an Eagle Hannah Christina Phillips. Being named after my great grandmother Virginia Almina Cameron Phillips, my Tlingit name is "KaajisnaaK" as it relates to the "king or Chinook salmon".

My great great grandmother, Lillian Grace Kennedy Cameron, was in the first native graduating class from Sheldon Jackson High School on December 1921 in Sitka, Ak. where she gave the Valedictory Speech.

For the past 3-4 years Tlingit art has been part of my homeschooling studies. I enjoy practicing drawing as I gain the skills necessary to create in the manner of my ancestors. It is my desire to soon be able to create totally original designs.

I don't know if I will ever be talented enough to be a Tlingit artist but what matters is that I get to do what my ancestor's did.

My copper Salmon-Trout Head.
Design from
NORTHWEST COAST NORTHWEST COAST FORMLINE DESIGN CLASS
I have made several since my first attempt and have improved.

When I graduate from high school I hope to be enrolled in the A.A. Northwest Coast Indigenous Arts Degree Program offered at the University of Alaska or be accepted into the Native Program offered by Outer Coast, located in Sitka

In the meantime I will continue with my native studies.

My focus this year is on creating original formline designs for Raven and Eagle. Along with those goals I wish to crave a paddle, a tray and a mask. I am limited because the only teacher I have is my grandfather who is not skilled in any of the Tlingit art forms but helps me whenever he can.

The last time that I visited Sitka I was fortunate to meet one of my favorite Tlingit carvers Tommy Joseph.

Tlingit Master Carver Tommy Joseph

It was exciting to be able to watch him as he carved.

Another carver that I admire is Beau Dick who's masks are famous around the world. Dick also chose to apply his knowledge of Kwakwaka'wakw cultural traditions out into the world of politics and social advocacy.

Chief Beau Dick (Walas Gwa'yam) (1955-2017)

My first carving of a Raven.
Design Artist unknown

My Copper Engraved Eagle Shield
Design Artist unknown.

My Learning Process The Following is my study of the Sealaska Book, "Learning by Doing"

West Coast Native Art Historical / Cultural Significance Northwest Coast societies did not pass their culture through written language as they did not have written words like most cultures. Rather, their culture and heritage was shared with future generations through the use of imagery and oral tradition. Deeply embedded in native art is historical meaning and content which tells a story of a time and place in native history. Principles and Elements of Design The key elements of First Nations art are line, color, and form. The lines used are bold and strong and not jagged. Through the use of smooth and curving lines, clear boundaries and shapes are created. In addition, formline changes constantly, in both thickness and direction. Bold contrasting colors are used in Native art which allows the areas of color to be obvious and clear. Traditionally, the colors used in northwest coast art are black and red with black being the primary color of the formline. A distinct element in First Nations art is Form. These are the basic components in NWC art. Ovoid, Inner ovoid, U-form , Split U-form, S-form Contact: trey@triballight.com Cell: 256.942.5488