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.
November 2006 Edition
LaRita Laktonen
In 1977 I was born in Kodiak, AK to Jerry and Esther Laktonen. Our family of six lived off the main gravel road in the Native Village of Larsen Bay. Only accessible by foot trail, we were up on a hill inside the bay from the rest of the village. We spent most of the year subsistence hunting, fishing and crabbing, and the summers commercial fishing for salmon.
When I was 12, we moved to the city of Kodiak, where my mother was an elementary school teacher. We still returned to Larsen Bay in the summertime to fish. There are many things I don't miss about our family business like camping out in abandoned cabins or in tents, or living six deep on a small boat. Beach seining could be hard work, but some of my experiences out on the ocean are my most vivid memories.
I am thankful for the natural beauty my family dealt with on a day-to-day basis, whether it be storms, tides, cold, bears or seeing our dog playing with a fox on the beach. I learned that the threat of nature in our life was much more than anything man made. My sisters and I would spend hours in the woods building forts out of old wood and fishing net, or collecting treasures on the beach.
I began making Alutiiq jewelry in 2003. My sister who has dedicated her career to bringing back the Alutiiq language and my father who has become a very successful carver have also been inspirational to me. I have found so much beauty in the art of our past, like a headress from the 1800's made of solid beads and dentalium, or colorful woven hunting hats. Dentalium is a sign of wealth to us still today, and has such elegance in its long and slender shape. Abalone, mother of pearl and Russian trade beads have been major contributors to my designs. I have incorporated many of these elements in my jewelry with various glass beads and sterling silver hooks and clasps for modern appeal.
My daughter Ravenna Fedocia Laktonen-Achane who is 8 months old is currently the biggest inspiration in my life.
To see more of LaRita's work, visit
Previous Artists of the Month
August 2006 - Jerry Laktonen
September 2006, Lena Amason
October 2006, Helm Johnson
Back to Kodiak College Main Page
In cooperation with the Alutiiq Museum in Kodiak.
Come to the Alutiiq Museum 2006 Holiday Bazaar Saturday, December 2nd 10 a.m. Featuring local artists.
If you would like your work to be featured on this page, please contact Dave Owens.
