Jerrod Galanin

Jerrod comes from a long lineage of Tlingit artists spanning multiple generations. His art is more than a career—it is a calling. Jerrod has always been in awe of the Tlingit art form’s visual language, how it can embody both simple elegance and infinite complexity at the same time. He grew up watching his father and uncle, both professional artists who were also his primary mentors. Jerrod emersed himself in the practice and enjoys learning & conversing about the art and his culture. Having such close family to pass this knowledge on to him, like a torch, just as it had been from their grandfather before. Though it was handed to Jerrod over the years in bits and pieces, in skills and stories, he understands now what it means to be a carrier of this torch, a holder of the ancient knowledge and beauty of Tlingit culture. After weathering generations worth of forced assimilation, colonization, and institutionalized racism, this torch is a feat of resilience and defiance. He strives to stay true to those before him and to inspire those who come after him. Jerrod hopes to leave his mark, his experiences, and perceptions before he too passes the torch onto the next generation of culture bearers.

While it is his turn to be a carrier, Jerrod wants to share with the world the beauty and sophistication of his culture and its art. He strives to push himself to be the best at what he does while honoring the beauty of what was and what has yet to be. As a Tlingit artist, he wants to inspire and invite you to see this beauty. Galanin works in many materials, including silver, copper, fur, wood, skins, and more, and employs both traditional and contemporary techniques and materials as he explores his voice strengthens his designs, and expresses his experiences.

Jerrod’s work can be found in galleries across Alaska and the Pacific Northwest.

Photograph Courtesy Ash Adams Photography