May 2018 – Nasektaq

I was just about to sew my latest fur fashion purse but no sight of it in the place I left it last 😢😡😢 – emojis sad and mad and sad again!

I hope it’s only lost in my corner pile. I will have to re-search the area I thought I had it last. I won’t give up until it’s either found half eaten, in tack or a pile of poop – you guest it, a husky dog poop 💩!!!

If I was in Alaska Native Art class I won’t be fooling my teacher. There are Alaska Native art classes available within the University of Alaska and many local schools in Alaska. I might take a class in something art this fall. I think it’s always good to do something you enjoy doing and learn new techniques of art. Here is a piece of lost art that may or may not be found again;

If it’s not found there is an opportunity to improve the second fur fashion purse.

Piurci 🌸

It’s been a while since I posted – spring is finally here – the start of a busy summer of harvesting food – on land and water. One of my favorite things to drink that come from the tundra;

There are always some eatable food all around but it requires walk in deep or shallow waters;

Sometimes we are lucky or bust. Even if what you’re looking for is not found it’s an adventure to roam and look far and wide.

On the tundra going back generations on both my parents side – the tundra is mapped out by memory. Spring calls the migration of the birds and tundra mammals hear the song birds. When snow melts and rivers finally floe freely, its the best time of the year to harvest fresh soul food on the Alaskan land and water.

To my surprise the winter sunlight has bleached the moose hide legs from the fall hunt;

I will make these into kameksak/piluguq. Shorter version like the one my grandma gave to me. I’ll find them somewhere in my craft corner pile;

Not to mention spring and summer, Fairbanks is the capital garage sale in the north. I’ll be searching for a cozy closet for the corner pile. In the meantime – I’ve been in and out of sewing fur. Here are the latest creative ideas;

Left over shaved caribou, caribou fall legs and squirrel purse idea with red thread. I am also working on the toddler squirrel parka;

Sewing on fur side makes it smooth on the other side.

Patching some furs. Measuring and cutting with sharp blade;

The parka will be simple as possible – but ideas are always welcome. I told my mom to bring her simple parka in which it will help me gain ideas.

Springs brings fresh pike dried and roe made into protein dessert, for reals!!!!! My brother and sister in law sent me dried pike and authentic Yupik dessert early spring – quyana;

Thanks to family and friends-past fews days I’ve been energized by neqpiaq (real food) – great company and laughter, quyana for sharing your celebration with me. Cheers to all the graduates with this big pot of tea;