Neeka Cook

Tribal Enrollment Number: A009430

Artist Statement, 2011

Neeka is my Tlingit name – the wise man of the village. I am Eagle/Brown Bear Clan, or as we call it, Chookaneidi. My father is Tsimshian and Haida, from the Raven Killer Whale. My clan hails from the Ice House in Hoonah. I was born in Ketchikan but raised in Washington. I have always been drawn to our art and culture. My Uncle Fred Fulmer is a continued influence. We have performed many times with our dance group. I didn’t start to experiment with the art until 2005 when I challenged myself to create a design. I was shocked by the difficulty. I didn’t actually dig my heels in until 2007. I finally realized that this art form has been left by my ancestors for a reason. If not for this beautiful inheritance, I would still be a misguided warrior. I stuck with flat work designing for three or four years. I just began to carve and have been lucky enough to get my start with some direction by a Chookaneidi brother, Scott Jensen. The more work I do the more I understand that this art is a life long journey. We will always be teachers and students at the same time until we take our next journey.