Grantee: Israel Shotridge
Native Citizenship: Tlingit
Location: Vashon, Wash.
Award: 2014 NACF Artist Fellowship
Discipline: Traditional Arts
Web Site: https://www.israelshotridge.com/
Israel Shotridge, who was awarded a 2014 NACF Artist Fellowship in Traditional Arts, continues the Tlingit art of cedar carving.
Known for the unusual depth of relief in his work, Shotridge carves traditional forms like totem poles, bentwood boxes and masks as well as modern forms like doors. Cultural stories or songs usually inform his inspiration, which evolves into the unique contemporary compositions for cedar, maple and alder. Shotridge is often commissioned to create new works of art for private collectors and organizations seeking to feature Native art. He also has been called upon to restore monumental carvings important to the history of Native communities. Totems he has carved can be seen in parks in Klawock, Saxman and downtown Ketchikan, Alaska, as well as the U.S. Forest Service headquarters in Washington D.C.
He has been awarded an Alaska State Native Artist Fellowship and a folk art fellowship from the Washington State Arts Commission. With the support of a 2014 NACF Artist Fellowship in Traditional Arts, Shotridge will compile an extensive battery of carving tools to create new works.
