DREAM OF KLUKWAN
Giclee print in archival ink on acid- and lignin free paper
Original painting in acrylic on canvas
Collection of Eugene and Martha Nester
 
In 2013 the Jilkaat Cultural Center in Klukwan, Alaska, held an auction at the Burke Museum to help fund the operation of the Center. The objects to be auctioned were donated by supporters of the Jilkaat Cultural Center. The works of several artists were among the items donated. My painting, Dream of Klukwan, was painted for the auction.
 
The Whale House of Klukwan is one of the most famous Native houses on the coast, and contained a wealth of art masterpieces in the form of carved house posts, a great painted and carved partition screen, and a number of other hereditary masterpieces that have been known but not seen publically for many generations.  The Jilkaat Cultural Center plans to open the house to the public for viewing when their project is completed. I fortunately saw the masterpiece house posts and screen some years ago and was moved to use them as part of the composition of my painting. A dancer in ceremonial regalia, a Chilkat blanket and dancing headdress is seen in the firelight of the house. I called the painting Dream of Klukwan to suggest the dream of the people of Klukwan who hope to resurrect the house and its masterpieces.
 
A dancer moves in stylized postures, moving his head in response to the rhythm and thrust of the song. His motions loose flurries of eagle down from among the fence of sea lion whiskers at the crown of his awesome headdress. A carved plaque representing a clan emblem fronts the headdress, and a long trail of white ermine skins falls over his back, partly covering the rich Chilkat dancing blanket he wears,
 
Beyond him looms the great Rain Wall screen, its painted and carved surface showing the image of the Raven Transformer scattering water over the land to form the rivers and channels of the Chilkat land. At the edge of the screen stands one of the four carved house post, illustrating one of the origin stories of the house lineage, the Woodworm Girl clutching the giant Woodworm of the myth.   The Dream is that one day these masterpieces of Chilkat art and culture can be seen again in their glory.

About the Donor:
Bill Holm has been a most generous supporter of the Nor'wester online auctions, and of Nor'wester itself. We are so grateful to him for again offering these unique prints. Camp Nor'wester truly would not be Camp Nor'wester without the passion, commitment and legacy left by Bill Holm, his wife Marty, and their daughters Carla and Karen, and all their extended family!