My
Lingít name is Stu Woo Kaaa. I am from
the Kaagwaantaan Clan, Xoots Xit in Klukwan. My Mother's name is Ste aa Doo
Oo, my Father is Aux Eesh from the Chookanedei Clan in Glacier Bay.
I began to do various forms of artwork in 1994 when I
inherited my Grandmother Annie Hotch's patterns for beadwork and moccasins.
Learning from my Mother Ruth Lindoff how to assemble moccasins the way my
Grandmother did enabled me to produce a full adult-size pair of moccasins in
about 10 hours time.
I began to explore the possibilities of learning Chilkat &
Northern Geometric (Ravenstail) weaving in 1996 in Hoonah. I learned to spin
warps from Ernestine Hanlon (the weaving segment I give full credit to my
ancestors for learning). Everything seemed to come naturally. My Great
Grandmother Alice Lee of Klukwan was a Chilkat Weaver. I believe it is her
that watches over me while I weave. At times I knew I did something wrong
but kept trying to continue. But I could hear her saying "are you going to
rip it back?" Without question, I would rip back and look into what I was
doing wrong, and learn from that.
I have also learned from looking at other weavers' pieces,
including Jennie Thlanaut, Anna Brown-Ehlers and Clarissa Hudson. I have
collaborated with Clarissa via the Internet on many projects. Each of these
artists have inspired me to do more weavings and this summer I will actually
be taking on an apprentice.
I have sold my artwork personally at various functions,
from Gold Medal, the Nugget Mall Craft Fair, the Southeast Alaska State Fair
and, starting next year, Celebration.
