Brendan Oseuk is from Gambell, Alaska, a small Siberian Yupik Eskimo village of about 900 people located on St. Lawrence Island in the middle of the Bering Sea. Carving is a rich tradition for the Native Alaskan people on St. Lawrence Island; it helps sustain their ancient proud culture and way of life in a very remote and harsh area.

Brendan has carved for many years following in his father, Aaron Oseuk Sr.’s tradition. Aaron Sr.’s work is featured in the book “Eskimo Carvers of the Bering Sea” by Dale Kessler.

Brendan carves from ivory tusks of walrus, walrus bone, and whalebone and uses baleen from Bowhead whales to accent his work. Much of the walrus ivory, walrus bone and whalebone are dug up or found washed up on beaches after storms. Like his father, Brendan is known for his carved ivory walruses and standing otters. These whimsical creatures are made from polished walrus ivory and have inlaid baleen eyes.