Featured Artist - Jerry Laktonen, Alutiiq

In the late 1800's the beaches of Kodiak, Alaska were covered with the Kayaks of the Alutiiq native people. By 1921 the kayaks were all gone. The ancestrial heritage of a nation was all but lost through the colonization of Europeans nearly two centuries earlier.

While attending the University of Washington, Jerry took an Indian studies class which greatly influenced his later life while providing him with a great deal on knowledge about his Alutiiq ancestory. Though a fisherman by trade, in 1995 Jerry decided to pursue Native American artwork focusing extensively on his ancestrial heritage.

He then spent a great deal of time in the museums of Alaska and in research of his culture. He started making simple Kayak paddles for the tourism trade. As his skill increased he start working in Alutiiq ceremonial designs and began carving and painting masks in that style.

Most of the authentic Alutiiq masks from the past that still exists are now in European museums. After the ritual ceremonies ended most masks were either burned or broken. There is a large collection of mask in Finland and at the British Museum.

Many of his masks follow the cultural style of his ancestry but Jerry has also developed his own unique masks with modern colors and ideas. Some of his designs are entirely of his own creation. His experience reflects a cultural reawakening of the Alutiiq people that began in the 1970's.

His art has been shown at exhibits around the country including Washington, D.C., Oaklahoma, Portland and Seattle. He was won numerous awards for his outstanding work including first place at the Sante Fe Indian Market.

In his own words, Jerry describes his art as something he hasn't put into words very much. He said, "It's more of a spiritual thing -- I'm just talking about being proud of your heritage and self-esteem and just being aware of beauty."

Check out his website: http://www.whaledreams.com/