Art Blog - Phillip Charette

MEANING Inspired by my play "Tas" (meaning "Threads" in Tlingit, these bracelets represent the threads of life that bind us together. Copper was used because it fits historically into the context of the "Tas" play and the metal used in Southeastern Alaska during that time period. Each bracelet is designed hand-forged by me. Copper ends are fully fused and all metal shaping is done by hand. Depending on the style, "Threads" bracelets are made with solid copper, copper layered on copper, copper on nickel, copper on sterling silver, sterling silver, or other combinations of metal. Quotes on other precious metal types and combinations may be requested. The ends of each bracelet are generally hammered flat and can also be made with an animal spirit carved and hammered into the ends… Continue reading… 0 comments

Made a Myrtlewood burl, copper wire, and porcelain, this piece was purchased in New York during the Smithsonian show. It's one of my favorite pieces… Continue reading… 0 comments

A small mixed media sculpture of horse-hair fired clay, wood, and porcelain. The porcelain has undergone special treatment that gives it the appearance of ivory… Continue reading… 0 comments

Reminder - the Santa Fe Indian Art Market is coming! August 22 & 23. As a 2009 Fellowship recipient I'll be located on the green in the Plaza this year. Please stop by and see my new work and say "hi." Remember: there's something for all budgets in my booth! And, don't forget about our art rental and leasing program. If you've been waiting to get a large piece, now's the perfect time. If this piece is approved by the committee, it's what I'll be donating this year for the gala… Continue reading… 0 comments

I've not done nearly enough small pieces over the past few years, which has been unfortunate because it has left out those who want to own art in the $500 price range, or who simply do not have the room for the larger pieces. So, now I'm building a series of these smaller sizes, in the area of 10 _ 11 inches, and I'm loving it! There are so many things I get to do with them, and it gives me the chance to be creative in different ways. And, I love that more people will get the opportunity to enjoy my work in their homes and workplaces! Look for more... I've added three of these smaller pieces to my "Other" gallery, and I hope you enjoy them… Continue reading… 0 comments

I'll be attending the Folklife Festival in Seattle this weekend. My booth, where I'll be selling art and conducting demonstrations, will be on Fisher Terrace, and my lecture, title The Spirituality of Yup'ik Masks, will be Monday from 12:00 - 12:50 on the Narrative Stage. http://www.washington.edu/burkemuseum/ayp/events 0 comments

This piece is a smaller and less complex version of the large Poisoned piece, although the meaning remains the same. The large mask was installed at the Burke Museum in Seattle, WA for their "Indigenous Voices Reply" exhibit. This exhibit is in coordination with the 100 year commemorative of the Alaskan-Yukon-Pacific Exhibition in 1909. The large piece has just been purchased by the Museum and will remain on permanent display there. I will be speaking on a panel of native artists at the museum May 30. You can find out more about the exhibit and see an image by visiting the Burke Museum website as http://www.washington.edu/burkemuseum/ayp/index.php MEANING : Poisoned was inspired by pre-contact Yup'ik masks I handled at the Smithsonian that were seriously damaged… Continue reading… 0 comments

The Burke Museum is supporting the efforts of the 100 year anniversary of the Alaskan Yukon Pacific Exposition that took place in 1909, but they are doing so from the perspective of indigenous peoples of Alaska, and the impact on their culture and lives. They invited me to participate at the beginning, and part of what they asked for was a mask that they could hang during the exhibit. I supplied the piece titled "Poisoned" because it felt to me like the right piece. I built this piece of art as a statement about how white collectors and curators (including large museum, and you know who you are) inflicted serious and lasting damage on the artifacts of indigenous peoples… Continue reading… 0 comments

I've been busy creating and re-inventing some of my work - and you'll see this is especially apparent in my smaller work, such as the 4 inch Singing Spirit masks and the smaller pins. I've really branched out and started having fun. So many people have said "they don't look like they're singing, they look like they're screaming." So, for those of you who feel that way, you'll find some smiling masks. I've also adjusted how I raku, so you'll find that the glazing and colors are much brighter and more brilliant in some cases. What's coming your way? Metal art! Thanks to SWAIA and the 2009 Fellowship, I'll be working with metal welding outdoor art. Watch this site for images and sales. Thanks for your support, and please let me know if there is something you don't see here but want… Continue reading… 0 comments

An article written by Elizabeth Gudrais, Harvard Magazine reporter, has just been released online and in their May / June issue. The article covers my entry into art and my work as an artist, and features a number of my best pieces, including some of the meanings behind each. The article, titled "Mnemonic Masks: A Craft Recast," can be found online at http://harvardmagazine.com/2009/05/mnemonic-masks, or in the print edition 1 comment

PRESS RELEASE Phillip John "Aarnaquq" Charette, Alaskan Native Yup'ik artist, has been awarded the 2009 Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA) Fellowship. SWAIA, a non-profit organization, is an advocate for Native American arts and cultures (particularly those in the Southwest). SWAIA creates economic and cultural opportunities for Native American artists in part by producing and promoting the Santa Fe Indian Market each August. The Fellowship program is a highly competitive application process with over a thousand applications received each year. Phillip is one of only five artists to receive the 2009 Fellowship… Continue reading… 0 comments

In order to reach a broader clientele, YupikMask: Alaskan Native Fine Art, will begin a rental and leasing program. We believe this is a way to help more people have access to fine art. To find out more on this program, please visit http://www.squidoo.com/artrentandlease. Should you have questions or interest, please contact me through this website or Squidoo 1 comment

Thursday night, December 4, will be the opening of an exhibition titled "Transformation and Change on the Pacific Northwest Coast" at the Stonington Gallery in Pioneer Square, Seattle, WA. This is a joint exhibition with myself and Hib Sabin. If you can make it at any time through the month, I know you'll be glad you made the trip. If you can make it Thursday night, please be sure to introduce yourself… Continue reading… 1 comment

To all the art lovers out there, I make art so that people can buy and enjoy the cultural and spiritual aspects of my pieces. When someone is touched by my work, my greatest thrill is when they take it home. As artists everywhere can attest, art sales are down dramatically. What good is art that hangs on my studio walls? To help art lovers continue to make their purchases in these tough economic times, I've made the decision to reduce the price of all my work. Once the recession has ended and the nation knows more balance, my prices will once again be at the standard for the quality, level and style. However, for now, and until further notice, you'll see my art prices lowered to help you love the art in your home, and not just through visits to a gallery (online or otherwise)… Continue reading… 0 comments

An animal transformation piece with a fun twist. My rendition of the Alaskan Pig, with lipstick. As an artist, things don't always turn out the way you envisioned. When I was making this piece, I was actually aiming for a wolf. :-) When my partner saw it she said "oh, you made a pig." I had to laugh. Since pigs aren't something we hold sacred or spiritual, what was I to do? Liz Googled "Alaskan Pigs" and three things came up. One was, of course, the infamous remark "you can put lipstick on a pig." So naturally, I kept it. :-) Which is why the benefit to anyone who wants to own a piece of this history can get their own Alaskan Pig With Lipstick at a 20% discount if they order before the November 4 election… Continue reading… 1 comment