Janine Gibbons

Janine Gibbons

Janine Gibbons

Cultural Affiliation: Haida

Janine Gibbons, a Haida Raven of the Double-Fin Killer Whale Clan, Brown Bear House, is a jewelry designer, photographer, sculptor, painter and award winning indigenous children’s book illustrator. Janine’s works are inspired by the waters and lands of the Pacific Northwest, and their myriad colors, energy and language are incorporated therein.  Janine graduated from the Art Institute of Seattle and Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. Janine has illustrated three books in the Sealaska Heritage’s Baby Raven Reads series, including Raven Makes the Aleutians, a Picture Book Honor award-winner from the American Indian Library Association. 
“Like the burning of dried cedar branches, I try to ignite sparks of connection through my creations. Since 2002, I have been creating jewelry full time.  I developed my own enameling technique many years ago which is distinguishable by its biomorphic translucent and opaque layers of variegated enamels on copper.  I handcraft all of the earring backs, metal working and copper shapes that are used as a base for the enamel. 
I grew up in a small fishing town in Southeast Alaska.  Petersburg is on an island and is perched between glaciers and tall majestic mountains.  My island community is covered in traditional art that it is full of colorful indigenous and Scandinavian symbols and motif.  Using saturated hues merged with organic abstracted shapes reminds me of my ancestors.  I am interested in the intersection of metal and color within my work.  I investigate the merging of color upon color with vitreous enamels.  I use many layers and multiples in my work to create depth and interest. My love of creating meaningful detailed artwork comes from my Haida ancestors, who are meticulous carvers, weavers and ocean-goers. I fuse the inspiration I get from my traditional cultures with the way I create my art in a contemporary yet timeless style.

To gift a unique piece by this Janine, visit her:
  
 Website: www.janinegibbons.com 
ETSY SITE: https://www.etsy.com/shop/JanineGibbonsDesigns 
Instagram: @janine_gibbons 
Facebook: @janineklgibbons  
Email: janine@janinegibbons.com 

ANHC is temporarily closed to the public from February 2024 – May 2024 for renovations to ANHC’s facility.