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 this 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, 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 each generation 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. This torch in itself is a feat of resilience, of defiance, and I strive to stay true to those before me and to hopefully inspire those who come after me. I hope to leave my mark, my experiences and perceptions, before I too, pass the torch. 

While it’s my turn to be a carrier, I want to share with the world the beauty of my culture. 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. 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 will employ any techniques or materials at my disposal as I explore my voice and express my experiences.

See more of Jerrod’s beautiful work here: ­­­­

http://jerrodgalanin.com/ 
https://www.facebook.com/jerrodgalaninartist
https://www.instagram.com/jerrodgalanin/?hl=en