Tlingit artist: Nathan Jackson explains
carving techniques during Egan Lecture.
Photo by David Asti

Jackson has been working in Alaska Native arts since 1959 and has been a freelance artist for almost four decades. The Evening at Egan event is the latest of many visits to Juneau and UAS.

Jackson started off the discussion by telling of his artistic beginnings and listing people of influence to him. He first began creating art to waste time while he was in the hospital for inhaling toxins while he was preparing a boat for a fishing trip.

“They thought I had tuberculosis, I stayed in the hospital for about 55 days, so I built a showcase with miniature poles and portraits,” Jackson said.

Jackson mentioned Carl Heinmiller and Bill Holm as individuals that influenced his artwork, as well as Ted Lawrence, saying “[Ted] challenged me to do some miniature poles early on.”  He also made special mention about his mother’s influence on his art.

Jackson spoke of the various tools that he uses for carving throughout the night. He is proud to use an electrical chainsaw and jokes about it.

“They say that this is a Haida tool, it hides when people are around,” Jackson said, referring to the electric chainsaw. “In order to get the job done, you need to use one of these tools. As long as you have it out so people can see it, it’s not cheating.”

Jackson also spoke about the two prerequisites to becoming his apprentice; excellent drawing ability and zero involvement with alcohol.

“I don’t go hunting for an apprentice in a bar,” Jackson said.

Jackson reviewed dozens of slides that showed examples of his works. He discussed his various carving techniques and where each piece of art could be found today.

Jackson also reviewed some of his son Steven Jackson’s art work. Jackson urged his son into art at the age of 14. “You can either work for McDonald’s or you can work for your dad,” Jackson said.