Why are you an artist? A question I am often asked and often ask myself. To be honest, it's a tough question to grapple with, especially when trying to pay the bills! Aside from the formal verbiage listed below, I struggle forward with my work to understand and define who I am - not only as an Alaskan Native - but, as a human being. I attempt to accomplish this by making a statement with one out of every twenty pieces I do. The rest of the work is about connecting with you; a larger audience! This is why my work involves stories and educational lectures, which I am always happy to share. Your response to looking beyond the physical work are what help to drive me forward. For those of you who have laughed, cried, hugged, and shared your stories with me, I am eternally grateful. Moments that I see healing, understanding, and emotional connection happen in your life help to heal and bring wholeness to mine. I am honored by those of you who have taken the time to know me and my work. For those of you who truly collect my work, I thank you for looking beyond the physical and for making connections within and beyond yourselves.
CD AVAILABLE AT CDBABY
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This CD, Arctic Voices, is very special to me for many reasons. It was a dream I hadn't realized I wanted or believed could happen. Every time I played for people, they asked how they could buy one of my CDs, or when they would be out. And then my friends Roxanna and Joe had the faith in my talent and the vision that it could happen. They brought me together with Big Woody Studio in Sun Valley with Bruce Innes (you might remember him from his 1972 hit, "One Tin Soldier"). For friends like that, I will always be grateful.
One of the songs on this CD is "Amazing Grace." My father passed a few years back, and this was one of his favorite songs. I play this for him and only wish he could be here to see the reality of my artist life.
From my granddaughter Zoey to the eldest member of a group, I am always pleased and still surprised at how my music affects people. This is, in part, why I enjoy playing. My music helps people be still. That may sound simple, but it truly is a necessary thing in today's world. I'll always feel blessed to have been given this talent.
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Traditionally, there is little evidence that Yup'ik peoples played the flute. I have, however, discovered pre-contact Yup'ik animal whistles used for hunting in some of my museum research. This prompted my interest in both whistles and flutes years ago.
I began making wooden flutes in 1997. With the encouragement of other Native American Flute players, I started making and performing with my own flutes. Since my first crude hand carved flute, I have mastered the art of making my own style of concert quality Native American flutes in hardwoods and low-fire clays.
I now specialize in larger bass flutes. I like the deep sound, the challenge presented in making larger flutes, and the presence these wonderful instruments have. These larger bass flutes have deeper tones and sound wonderful with a good sound system. However, if you are interested in playing a flute outdoors, you may want to look around for a good higher pitched flute which is smaller and better for open air playing.
Smaller flutes like the Bedoni style flute are great for open air playing as the higher pitch carries well if you are playing out doors (listen to sample below).
If you are interested in flutes or purchasing an authentic Native American flute, I would highy recommend going to Pow-wow's or Native American Art Markets. A good Native American flute can be purchased at a pow-wow directly from the Native Artist. This is beneficial because you get to meet the artist who sometimes will have a CD, play the instrument, and get to support an artist and their work. I buy or trade all my personal performance flutes directly from Native flute makers.
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The Yup'ik drums I make are full size drums (7 foot circumference), which are designed for all out singing, drumming, and dance performances! These are serious instruments designed to be handed down through the family!
I make drums from a variety of woods, which include both soft and hard woods. I use hardwoods for tone, strength, and durability. I also use soft wood for weight reduction and a softer sound. Each drum is made using traditional techniques to ensure strength and good tonal quality. A variety of drum skins (cauyamecia) are available to meet a variety of needs. Nylon drumheads are textured to resemble skin and require little to no maintenance. Other synthetic heads are available and need little to no maintenance. Assorted rawhide heads are available but do require a moderate to high amount of maintenance and care. I make drumsticks (cauyaun) out of hardwoods or softwoods and vary in size depending on the type of drum being used. Extra drumsticks are recommended, as drumsticks do break on occasion. Traditional ornaments vary from piece to piece. Every drum is tested to ensure quality and workmanship. The workmanship on all drums by Aarnaquq is guaranteed for life.
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Recession Prices
In today's economy, and in light of everything that's come tumbling down with people losing money in their retirement plans and other investments, the last thing people think of is buying art. Sad for me and other artists, and for art buyers too. :-(
To address that, and to help people continue to be able to buy art (it is, after all, a great investment in itself), I'm reducing my prices by 20% across the board. These prices apply only to art that is purchased directly from me, and not from galleries. This goes for all of my art - from the largest to the smallest piece. So, if you see a piece you would like to buy, be sure to inquire as to how much it is at the recession price. :-)
If you have any money at all to put into buying art, now's the time to make that investment, because when these scary economic times end [and they will], my prices will go back up. Then you'll say "dang it, I wish I would have bought his work when he was selling it at the lower price."
We're just getting ready for the artwalk here in Bellingham. If by any chance you're in town we'd love it if you could visit. Here is a painting by our Navajo artist Teddy Draper:
Running Wild Skip and dance, roll and run. Follow that cloud.
My friend is the night, it sings a song of stars. And never stops chasing me through the valley down below.
Dear Friends, Happy Thursday. Here is a painting by our Navajo artist, Teddy Draper.
The Wolf
Living in your dreams, eye to eye you walk with me. Let me tell you who you are and who you want to be. The night is approaching, let’s run together, just you and I, just for this night…..
Hey there! You gotta check out the latest Muley's Roadside Podcast with singer/songwriter and Old Boise Guitar Company's owner, Johnny Shoes! The new and greatly approved sound quality is brought to us by Aaron's International Music Division. Go to www.muleyscoffee.com and click on the Muley's Podcast button
Hey there, I just did a podcast with Grant Camp of Billy G Camp and King Cotton fame. If you get a chance, check it out!
www.muleyscoffee.com and then just click on the Muley's Podcast button.
Thanks so much. I have really enjoyed hearing your wonderful enchanting music & seeing your art work introduced to me by my friend Deb. It is truly wonderful. I look forward to getting to know you.
hey there my friend just wanted to say whats up. how was your thanksgiving? mine was good, had some friends over and had a good time sitting around talking. well take care and hope everything is well with you.
Whats up cuz? Glad to see you on line from time to time, The art and music flows into the high desert. sending dreams and visions to the clouded minds...
Online Now!
