My interest in King Island art and craft came from my family heritage. While growing up, my grandmother told stories of the island.  Observing my Uncle Lou’s stone carvings strengthened my sense of craftsmanship. The interacting designs and Arctic figures captured my imagination.  Spending time with my family gave me a sense of being from a place of ice, snow and the walrus.  Learning the precision of carving and construction, allowed me to establish my own contemporary style, focusing my creativity. My descent into studying the old ways of construction was done by building replications of skin boats from the 17th to the 19th century, an endangered craft.  The research and construction led to redesigning kayaks to custom fit kayaks. Through participating in Northwest Inupiat Dance Group, I produced an Umiak build and documentary film.  The documentary, “Umiak Travels”, features how the Umiak changes the lives of people in the dance group. Desiring to widen my horizons led me to continue building my repertoire through carving masks under the influence and direction of renowned artist, Larry Ahvakana.  After becoming an apprentice, I started to blossom, as an artist no longer confounded by limitations of form of function.  Teaching myself how to forge carving tools further expanded my woodworking abilities and skills, as a blacksmith.  Utilizing knowledge of ancient technologies and self-exploration, I produce work that identifies with the past and future.  International Indigenous artist gatherings, participation in Yehaw, and community all support my growth and serve as inspiration for my creative endeavors.