Neon Series: A Culture of Resilience

Full set in the Neon Series

This is a blog dedicated to the Neon Series, currently installed at 5th and Pike in downtown Seattle until May, 2025.  Make sure to check out the others in the series.  Merchandise featuring these are available in the store.  If interested in purchasing the large format with neon lighting, contact me through the my online contact form, Instagram or Facebook

I’m absolutely thrilled to welcome you to the Neon Series, a collection of six art pieces that have been a true labor of love, and an expression of my deepest self. This series is an invitation, a journey that I want to share with all of you, as I explore the rich tapestry of my cultural heritage, my personal stories, and the ever-evolving nature of identity, through the lens of contemporary aesthetics. This series is more than just a collection of art; it’s a story, woven with threads of tradition, innovation, and the unwavering resilience that has defined my people for generations.

Each piece in the Neon Series is a unique exploration, a chapter in a larger story that aims to connect the personal with the universal, the past with the present. I’ve used bold neon hues and dynamic gradients to symbolize the fluidity and movement of life, culture, and history, the constant change and flow that defines our world. The use of neon colors, for me, is a way of bringing the vibrancy and energy of contemporary life to the ancient and enduring traditions of my people. These colors aren’t just visually striking, they’re a bridge between the past and the present, the traditional and the modern, they are a celebration of how our culture continues to evolve and adapt.

These works stand as a testament to the enduring spirit and strength of the Tlingit people, while also offering a deeply personal reflection on my own heritage and experiences. I want to take you on a journey, inviting you to explore both the rich traditions of my culture, as well as the deeply personal experiences that have shaped who I am. Each piece is a carefully crafted narrative that reflects a unique part of this journey.

Themes and Narratives: The Heart of the Series

Throughout the Neon Series, you’ll encounter a wide array of themes, exploring topics that are both personal and deeply cultural. From the mythological tales of Raven and Frog, to the contemporary struggles with cultural resilience under the pressures of colonialism, this series captures a broad spectrum of human experience. Each piece explores these themes in unique ways, giving rise to a multitude of experiences and interpretations.

You’ll encounter stories of spirituality, identity, and the passing down of wisdom from generation to generation, all carefully woven into the fabric of the imagery. There are stories of loss and struggle, but also stories of hope, resilience, and connection. You’ll see echoes of the past, as well as promises for the future. Each piece in this series is a testament to the power of art to tell stories, and to help us connect with each other on a deeper, more meaningful level.

Each piece invites you to look deeper, and find the connections between the traditional and the modern, the personal and the universal. This series is a celebration of the strength and diversity of our people, a testament to the traditions that bind us together, and an invitation to explore these ideas on a deeper, personal level. It’s a journey of exploration, not only into the traditions of the past, but the possibilities of the future.

Showing the artwork at the installation in Seattle

A Glimpse into the Individual Pieces:

I want to give you a brief glimpse of the individual pieces that make up this series:

1. Confluence: Imagine rivers flowing and merging, symbolizing the interconnectedness of relationships and the natural world. This piece uses the story of Raven and Frog to help illustrate the constant nature of change and connection that we experience through our relationships.

2. Wolf Mother: This piece delves into the themes of sacrifice, ancestral connections, and the cyclical nature of life, death, and renewal, reflecting on the powerful role that animals play in our culture, and the lessons they have to offer.

3. Shaman Mask: Here, I explore traditional cultural themes by connecting the past and the present in a unique and thought provoking way. This piece explores the world of the unseen, and asks us to consider our connections with the spiritual realm.

4. Viral Impact: This piece addresses the impact of colonialism, as well as the more contemporary challenges that have been brought on by the pandemic. It’s an exploration of how these events have affected Indigenous communities, and the resilience of our culture and people through these experiences.

5. Rainkeeper: In this piece, you’ll explore the deep connection between the Tlingit people and the rain, and the way that this natural phenomenon has helped shape our land, culture and traditions. It’s a testament to the resilience and heritage of our people, and the strength and hope that we’ve found in the face of adversity.

6. Raven Dancer: The series culminates with “Raven Dancer,” a powerful homage to cultural heritage and personal history. This piece is a celebration of the traditional Tlingit dances that were vital for passing down cultural and spiritual knowledge.

A Journey of Exploration and Invitation to Reflect

The Neon Series is a journey through time, culture, and personal discovery, an invitation to consider the stories that have shaped our lives, and the ways in which they continue to influence our future. I want you to not only view this art, but to engage with it, to let it spark new insights, and perhaps, even change the way that you see the world.

View of the artwork installed in Seattle with the neon backlighting

Each piece invites you to reflect on the stories, themes, and symbols presented, challenging you to see beyond the surface, to consider the underlying connections between all things. The intent of this series is not just to present art, but to also foster reflection and dialogue. I want you to consider how these artworks resonate with your own experiences and perceptions, to question the norms and traditions that you might hold, and to open yourselves up to new interpretations and insights.

How do these artworks resonate with your own experiences and perceptions? What connections can you draw between the traditional and the modern, the personal and the communal? What new connections are you able to find within these pieces?

As you navigate through this series, I encourage you to dive deeper into each work, uncovering the layers of meaning and emotion woven into the fabric of Tlingit culture and my personal journey. Your exploration of the Neon Series is not just an observation but an invitation to engage, reflect, and connect. It’s my hope that these pieces encourage you to consider the deeper meanings of life, and to appreciate the beauty and diversity of the world around us.

Conclusion: A Dialogue Between Past and Present

Through vibrant visuals and deep-rooted stories, the Neon Series celebrates the resilience, beauty, and wisdom of the Tlingit people. It’s an artistic dialogue between past and present, inviting you to explore the intersections of tradition and modernity, seen and unseen worlds. As you immerse yourself in these pieces, may they spark curiosity and inspire you to delve into the intricate connections that shape our experiences. I hope that you take this journey with me, and allow these pieces to open your heart and mind to new possibilities.

I’m so grateful to have you join me on this journey! I look forward to sharing the individual stories behind each piece with you as we go along, and I welcome all of your thoughts and interpretations.