Israel Shotridge

Tlingit artist and master carver, Israel Shotridge was born and raised in Ketchikan, Alaska, in the heart of the Tongass National Forest. Through his mother’s lineage, Israel is a member of the Teikweidee Brown Bear Clan of the Taantakwan Tongass Tribe, Ketchikan. His father was a member of the Killer Whale Clan, also known as the Kaagwaantaan people, from the village of Klukwan, Alaska.

Throughout his career, Israel has carved monumental totem poles, house screens, bentwood boxes, masks, panels and other ceremonial objects in the traditional Tlingit-style. He has created contemporary designs of his work in a variety of mediums including in bronze and glass and is known for his original formline designs. Israel is also a master in engraving silver and gold.

Israel believes his greatest accomplishments are in the preservation and perpetuation of his culture, mainly by restoring and replicating his tribal totems. He has received several awards and recognitions throughout his career including an Alaska State Native Artist Fellowship in 1990: Washington State Folk Artist Fellowship in 2009 and a National Native Arts Foundation Award in 2015.

Images of Israel’s work have been included in independent films, editorials, article publications and books. His artworks are in public, private, and corporate Native art collections including many museums and cultural centers around the world.