When thinking about Alaska, most people conjure up images of wild landscapes; majestic mountain ranges, rugged coastlines, glaciers and forests. Not to mention wildlife in the many varied forms it takes in this natural place. Affinity for the landscape and the wildlife is a common theme in the north, and the art in Alaska is a reflection of that.
It may come as a surprise to some that there is a cultural heartbeat to this land. The population is sparse, and the cities small, and yet there is a strong artistic community throughout. This is partly because of the rich cultural heritage passed down from generations of native Alaskans, whose symbolic and reverent art has survived thousands of northern winters. But also because the call of the north is often heard loudest by creative types, people who want to remove themselves from the hustle and bustle of the big cities in the south and find a quieter, more reflective existence.
One of the interesting things about being an artist in Alaska is that the intensity of the seasons creates a perfect rhythm for creating art. During the short summers most Alaskans take full advantage of the relatively warm weather, and enjoy all the outdoor activities that tourists like to do as well. It is also a great time for collecting materials, exploring new landscapes, and heading out in the bush for inspiration. Summer is generally a busy time, as everyone wants to get as much done as possible before the first frost comes.
When the brief Autumn has ended, and all the preparations done, comes the long nights of winter. For artists this is not just a season to be endured, but a chance to really work on their craft. Large blocks of uninterrupted time are a wonderful thing for an artist, and art in Alaska benefits from having a very long winter.
As one might expect, most art in Alaska reflects the themes of the land; natural settings and the wildlife that inhabits it. Also, many Alaskan artists are catering to the tastes of tourists and their desire to bring home a souvenir, so the bulk of Alaskan art tends to be representational. Landscapes are common, as are portraits of popular wildlife like bears and whales. Some artists concentrate on the minutiae of the land, like flowers and berries.
For a more abstract outlook, native art tends to use the same themes but often distorts them in shape and colour. Landscapes are less common with native art, but animals are well represented. Often there are stories and legends attached to the art, so that the piece is less representational of the subject, but carries in the themes of the story. Traditional native art uses materials that are found locally in surprising ways, to create bold and beautiful works.
There is even a small contemporary art scene, mostly centered in Anchorage and Homer. Here the art might incorporate the common themes in interesting ways, or reject them completely and not be identifiable as something uniquely Alaskan.
Whatever your tastes, if you have an interest in North American wildlife or northern vistas, you are sure to find something you like by an Alaskan artist. The themes of the land run very strong through their work, and the long winter can mean they have had plenty of time to define their craft. If an Alaska vacation is in your plans, be sure to schedule some time to visit a few of the many art galleries to find your own special piece of the land to bring home with you.
For more information on Alaska and Art in Alaska, please visit: http://www.AllAlaskaGuides.com
Jan Hanna is a travel writer who prefers winter in the Caribbean to Alaska, but can’t say enough about Alaska in the summer.
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