Larry McNeil (photographer) facts for kids

Larry McNeil is a talented Native American artist. He is known for his amazing photographs and printmaking. Larry's art shows many different things. He takes pictures of people, city scenes, and even uses computers to create art about tribal places. His work is very special. It helps people understand the lives and feelings of Native Americans.

Larry McNeil's Early Life and School

Larry McNeil was born in Juneau, Alaska on May 12, 1955. He grew up in Juneau and Anchorage, Alaska. Larry is part of the Killer Whale House, called Keet Hit. This is a group within the Northern Tlingit tribe. Because of his family, he is a member of both the Tlingit and Nisga'a tribes.

Larry went to school at the Brooks Institute School of Photographic Art and Science. This school is in Santa Barbara, California.

Larry McNeil's Career in Art

Larry McNeil says he is a mix of two worlds. He is part of the traditional Tlingit culture. He is also part of the main culture of North America. He focuses more on his Tlingit background in his art.

In 1983, Larry worked with the Alaska Native Foundation. He took pictures of Yupik Eskimo women. They were weaving special grass baskets. Later, in 1986, he created seventeen portraits. These were of tribal clan leaders in the Northwest Arctic School District.

In the same year, he was chosen as vice-president of the Native Indian/Inuit Photographers Association. He also taught at the Institute of American Indian Arts. At the same time, he worked as a commercial photographer.

Today, Larry McNeil is a professor. He teaches photography at Boise State University.

Famous Artworks by Larry McNeil

One of Larry McNeil's well-known series of photographs is called Fly By Night Mythology. People really liked this collection.

Mick Gidley, a professor, said that this series helps us understand history. He also said it creates new ideas by looking at old and new photos together. It helps show a national story that includes the first Americans.

The Fly By Night Mythology series shows old family photos of Larry growing up. These are mixed with pictures of his Tlingit tribe members. This shows his own mixed background. It also shows the connection between different histories.

Some early photos in the work also represent traditional Tlingit stories. They show characters like "Raven the Changeling and Trickster." These characters are important in Tlingit tales. The series also shows interactions between Chief Pontiac and George Washington.

Awards and Honors

Larry McNeil has received several awards for his amazing work:

• 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: He won awards for "Outstanding Photographic Technical Quality" and "Outstanding Outdoor Photography" from the Native Inuit Photography Association.
• 2006: He received the "All Roads" Photography Award from National Geographic.

See also

Da-ka-xeen Mehner