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Q. When did you
begin creating Northwest Coast Indian art?
A. Part of the
emphasis of the art education program that I majored in
centered on the idea of art as a cultural communication tool.
I decided to research my own cultural heritage and along with
research papers I tried to replicate the objects I studied. My
first presentation compared Eskimo and Northwest Coast Indian
masks. After graduation, I taught elementary art in
Anchorage, Alaska. My art supervisor brought the Alaska State
Council on the Arts grants to my attention. The next summer I
was in Metlakatla, Alaska studying with Jack Hudson- a master
Tsimpshian carver. |
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Q. What do you
love about making Northwest Coast Indian art?
A. I love the
challenge of creating using traditional formline ,shapes and
colors to interpret images in new ways that respect my Native
traditions. It is fulfilling to me that this art form is part
of my heritage and that I can participate in the ongoing
development of this art style. When I make a new design or
mask I am telling my story- I am sharing something wonderful. |
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Q. 3. Your
design work is curvilinear. What inspires you to work in that
way? A.
Part of the movement you are seeing in the design is because
of the nature of the formline-(the outline grid that
encompasses other design elements). The formline swells and
diminishes to create movement. Another influence is my passion
for Baroque art. I love the movement and emotion that defines
the Baroque art period .I was able to see Bernini's work in
Italy and later completed Baroque art studies as a graduate
student. |
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Q. Why are some
of your masks whimsical while others seem full of emotion?
A. I like to
animate the masks- to bring them to life. I like to portray
what the animal or person is thinking or feeling. In that way
I feel that the mask has a life of its own; it is no longer a
wolf mask but it is a tired wolf- one that is struggling to
stay awake or it can be a human portrait of someone who is
experiencing joy or tremendous sorrow. The masks and designs
are always based on mythology or personal life events. There
is a story or meaning behind each creation. |
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Q. When will my
order ship?
A. In stock
items such as T-shirts, prints and drums are available for
immediate shipment. My mail box is checked daily and orders
should be out within 2 work week days . Be advised that
weather conditions, especially in winter can vary and that
mail service is sometimes interrupted by just a few days. Your
order will be by priority mail, well packaged and insured. |
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Q. I am
interested in commissioning a mask. What is the time frame for
custom pieces?
A. A mask can
take up to six weeks, maybe eight depending on the complexity
and my work schedule. A down payment / deposit is required and
can be negotiated. Often it is 1/3 down, 1/3 after approved in
progress photos / sketches and the remainder upon receipt. |
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Q. How do I
contact you?
A. You may
e-mail me at:
allie@alliehigh.com. If
you leave your phone number and a time you are available I
will return your call. Lastly, you may phone me at area code
907-874-2151. Please consider time zones when calling. |
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If you have a
question that is not answered here please feel free to email
me! |