In recognition of the many talented artists whose lives have been touched by Kodiak and its environs, Kodiak College presents a changing gallery of work that celebrates the history, culture, beauty and diversity of the island and its people.

August 2006 Edition

Jerry Laktonen

I am on an adventure that may take me anywhere. I have had amazing things happen to me that I would have thought impossible a short time ago. I have decided to go inside of myself to see what is there, and express it to the world.

I grew up in the native village of Larsen Bay, Alaska to a commercial fishing family. I experienced hings of the last remnants of the original Alutiiq culture of Kodiak Island. I admired the expression of culture in the everyday lives of the people of Larsen Bay. There was an attitude as well as a confidence in being blessed to be from such a wonderful environment. There was this feeling, but something was missing.

I grew up not knowing of an awesome and unbelievable world that existed like some soret of vision from our past. It did not seem real, but maybe in a feeling or state of mind. When I deided to go into the art world, it was a major statement: I am an Alaskan Native. I am here and have decided to explore what was once our culture and artwork. The world our ancestors lived in was out there. I found it in books written by the Russians, as well as museum collections. I realized this was a hint of the truth, an image of great beauty and purpose. This is a treasure I must express to the world.

It has been a challenge to go into this life of art. I had to work long hours, have faith that all was going to be all right, and go where the opportunity was if I was to survive. Being a fisherman, I also found lessons I had learned in that life very valuable: concentration, determination, and maybe trusting my instincts.

I have made a statement that I am proud of where I came from. I found out there is too much history and art to disregard. I found out we all need a way to express ourselves, and to do this, we need to know who we are.

It has been satisfying also to see the world respond to this expression. I have used the life and art of my ancestors, to try and express my feelings and hopes. I have created contemporary pieces, getting out that feeling or attitude, and brought it together with the life experiences I had growing up in the village.

I plan on continuing to where the spirit that inspired me leads. My art has the power to answer many questions - personal, family, community and maybe universal. Cross-cultural communication is one of my interests, both to express the beauty of my culture, as well as to foster mutual respect.

I find bringing the art of Kodiak to the light of modern consciousness is a joyous task. It evokes an emotional response. I feel I am speaking a new language, as most have not heard of Alutiiq art. Fortunately, the beauty and color of the masks, paddles and tools are finally being understood.

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"Baby"

For more of Jerry's work, visit his website http://www.whaledreams.com.

In cooperation with the Alutiiq Museum in Kodiak.

If you would like your work to be featured on this page, please contact Dave Owens.