Hi, my name is Robin Fields, although most of my family and friends call me Robb. I was born in Seattle, Washington; and raised in Craig, Alaska. I am Haida Indian. I spent the early years of my life learning subsistence living skills, such as fishing and hunting from my parents and relatives. As a youth I studied Pacific Northwest Coast Totemic Art in local surroundings of Prince of Wales Island. In history books, and from other local artists. While in high school I attended the Sitka Fine Arts camp and became hooked on art. My early work consisted of drawings of totemic designs found in popular art books and publications. Eventually, I began creating my own designs and pursued art as a more serious hobby.
In 1999, ivory carving was introduced to me by my brother-in-law, Dennis Pungowiyi. Dennis is from Savoonga, AK. I started with a small Dremmel tool and created my very first piece: a mens bracelet with a Yin/Yang symbol. My interest in ivory carving has only snowballed since then. History has shown that the Tlingit and Haida people used ivory as charms and ornaments in their regalia. I love to transform ivory into totemic and other interpretations of Alaskan life. It is immensely satisfying to create scenes of Alaskan Native life into my ivory carvings.
When carving a piece, I only utilize materials that are unique to Alaskan surroundings; such as walrus ivory, walrus teeth, baleen, whale bone, deer hide, feathers, argillite and antler. I prefer not using any man-made materials, and I keep my pieces distinctively Alaskan. Carving ivory gives a spirit of cultural heritage and is unlike anything I have experienced before. It has led me into areas of artistic expression that mesh well with my previous experiences. In every piece I create I feel like I leave a part of my spirit attached, giving it an energy of its own. Through my art, I want to share Alaska Native unique designs. My art is exclusively Alaskan and its spirit is universal…I hope you enjoy.
|
|
|
