Lisa Kamahamak Lynch recently completed a three-week residency at the Sitka's Sheldon Jackson Museum, where she explored the intersection of traditional Inupiaq art and contemporary practices. The residency, which ran from June through the first week of July, allowed Lynch to immerse herself in her craft while engaging with locals and tourists.
Lynch is known for her meticulous beadwork, painting, and traditional crafts. She says she draws on generations of Inupiaq knowledge to create art that is beautiful in it's simplicity.
"Our ancestors have done it for so long that like, it's so beautiful just on its own," Lynch explained of her stye. "It doesn't need much to be stunning."
For the residency she packed a 45 pound tote with a variety of supplies, including beads, moosehide, and sea otter pelts to create a variety of crafts for demonstration and sale.
One of the highlights of her work during the residency was teaching community classes, where she introduced participants to traditional Inupiaq techniques, such as crafting slipper top ornaments and Eskimo yo-yos.
Lynch initially applied for the museum's Alaska Native Artist Residency Program after receiving encouragement from her grandmother, who she cites as a major inspiration for her work. After her grandmother passed this spring, she wasn't sure if she should still go.
“I was gonna pull my application because I just didn't see the point. But talking with my parents and talking with my other family, it was nice to go down and also in a way process and grieve about my grandmother. A lot of the stuff I would learn how to do, or when I had finished a huge project, she was the first person I showed. It was really nice in a way to do that," Lynch said.
Despite her initial hesitation, Lynch’s time in Sitka proved to be a meaningful experience. While at her table, she effortlessly worked on pieces while fielding questions from museum visitors. Lynch said she focused on producing smaller pieces like beaded earrings perfect for collectors to take home.
She also produced larger, more intricate works, such as a blue beaded collar necklace that took over a week to complete.
Throughout the residency, Lynch also had the opportunity to delve into the museum’s archives. One particular mysterious wooden object from King Island captured her attention. Lynch says she's determined to uncover its history. The hunt for its purpose has strengthened Lynch’s resolve to continue advocating for the preservation of traditional skills and culture.
“There’s so much rich art tradition here in Alaska,” Lynch emphasized. “No matter what you think, if it's just like a small minute thing that no one will care about, is people will care about it because there's just not a lot left of it."
Lynch says the residency in Sitka has given her newfound confidence to pursue future opportunities, including potentially participating in other art residencies. As she continues crafting Inupiaq art, she hasn't forgotten the power that comes along with it.
“It took 1000s of years to get to this point, and it will be the most beautiful thing people will ever see," Lynch said.
