Larry McNeil (photographer) facts for kids

Larry McNeil is a talented Native American artist. He is known for his amazing photographs and prints. Larry's art shows many different things. He takes pictures of people, city scenes, and even uses computers to change images of nature. His photos are special because they share stories about Native American life and feelings.

Early Life and Learning

Where Larry Grew Up

Larry McNeil was born in Juneau, Alaska, on May 12, 1955. He grew up in both Juneau and Anchorage, Alaska. Larry is a member of two important Native American tribes: the Tlingit and the Nisga'a. His family belongs to the Killer Whale House, called Keet Hit, of the Northern Tlingit tribe.

His Education in Photography

Larry went to college to study photography. He learned his skills at the Brooks Institute School of Photographic Art and Science. This school is located in Santa Barbara, California.

Larry McNeil's Career

Blending Cultures in Art

Larry McNeil sees himself as a mix of two worlds. He grew up with both traditional Tlingit culture and the wider North American culture. He feels that his Tlingit heritage is a very important part of who he is.

Early Work and Teaching

In 1983, Larry worked with the Alaska Native Foundation. He took pictures of Yupik Eskimo women weaving beautiful grass baskets. Later, in 1986, he created seventeen portraits of tribal leaders. These leaders were from the Northwest Arctic School District. In the same year, he became the vice-president of the Native Indian/Inuit Photographers Association. Larry also taught photography at the Institute of American Indian Arts. He worked as a commercial photographer too, taking pictures for businesses.

Teaching Today

Today, Larry McNeil is a professor of photography. He teaches at Boise State University. He shares his knowledge and passion for photography with new students.

Understanding His Artworks

One of Larry McNeil's well-known series of photographs is called Fly By Night Mythology. This collection was very popular. A professor named Mick Gidley said that these photos help us understand history. They also show how art can be created by looking at things in new ways.

The Fly By Night Mythology series combines old family photos with new pictures. It shows images of Larry's Tlingit tribe members. This mix of old and new photos helps tell the story of his own mixed background. It also shows the connection between different histories. Some of the early photos in this work also represent old Tlingit stories. They show characters like "Raven the Changeling and Trickster." These stories often feature interactions between important figures like Chief Pontiac and George Washington.

Awards and Recognition

Larry McNeil has received several awards for his excellent photography:

• 1983: He won an Award of Excellence from the Public Relations Society of America.
• 1983-86: He received a Merit Award from the Advertising Federation of America.
• 1992: The Native Inuit Photography Association recognized him for Outstanding Photographic Technical Quality and Outstanding Outdoor Photography.
• 2006: He earned the "All Roads" Photography Award from National Geographic.

See also

• Da-ka-xeen Mehner