Nathan Jackson (artist) facts for kids
Nathan Jackson was born on August 29, 1938. He is a very important Alaska Native artist, especially known for his amazing Tlingit artwork. He is one of the most famous artists from Alaska. While he is best known for carving large totem poles, he also creates art using many different materials.
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Nathan Jackson's Early Life and Art Journey
Nathan Jackson is part of the Sockeye clan from the Chilkoot Tlingit people. When he was a young man, he served in the military in Germany. After that, he worked as a commercial fisherman.
How He Started Carving
One day, Nathan became sick with pneumonia and could not go fishing. During this time, he started carving small totem poles. This sparked his interest in art. He then decided to study art at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
What Kind of Art Does He Make?
Since then, Nathan Jackson has created many different types of art. He carves huge totem poles and even canoes. He also makes carved doors, special wood panels with clan symbols, masks, and beautiful jewelry.
Sharing His Skills
Nathan Jackson believes in passing on traditional Tlingit carving skills. He has taught many younger artists. He also gives demonstrations and workshops in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest.
Where Can You See Nathan Jackson's Art?
Nathan Jackson has carved more than 50 totem poles! Many of his amazing works are on display for everyone to see.
Famous Museums and Locations
You can find his totem poles in important museums around the world. These include the National Museum of the American Indian and the Field Museum in Chicago. His art is also at Harvard University's Peabody Museum. Other museums in the United States, Europe, and Japan also show his work.
Totem Poles in Alaska
Many of his totem poles stand proudly in Alaska. You can see them outside Juneau-Douglas High School and at Juneau's Centennial Hall. There are also poles at the Sealaska Building in Juneau. Other locations include Totem Bight State Historical Park, the Alaska Native Heritage Center, and Saxman Totem Park. The Totem Heritage Center in Ketchikan also has his work.
An Early Work in London
One of his first totem poles was carved for a festival in London in 1985. Today, it stands in a special spot in the Horniman Gardens in London.
Awards and Recognition
Nathan Jackson has received many important awards for his art.
- In 1995, he won a National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts.
- He received the Rasmuson Foundation Distinguished Artist Award in 2009.
- In 2021, he was named a United States Artists Fellow.
- He also received an honorary doctorate degree from the University of Alaska Southeast.
Stamp of Approval
In 1996, Nathan Jackson's art was even featured on a US postage stamp! The stamp showed his "Raven Dance" design.
Recent Projects and Family
In 2022, the Sealaska Heritage Institute invited carvers to create new kootéeyaa (totem poles). These poles will be part of the Totem Pole Trail in Juneau, Alaska. Nathan Jackson and his son, Jackson Polys, will carve two of these new poles together.
Nathan Jackson lives in Ketchikan, Alaska. His wife and son are also talented artists.
