Robert Raphael

Robert Raphael is originally from Alakanuk, Alaska, located at the east entrance of Alakanuk Pass, the major southern channel of the Yukon River, 15 miles from the Bering Sea. It is part of the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge and is the longest village on the lower Yukon.Alakanuk is a Yupik word meaning "wrong way" or "mistake village", aptly applied to a village on this maze of watercourses. 

Robert moved to Anchorage, Alaska and began showing his work at Two Spirits Gallery and Carving Studio in 2006. The Gallery and Carving Studio was sponsored by Cook inlet Tribal Council and gave Alaska Native artists an opportunity for employment and to develop their talents. Robert worked out of the Carving Studio for several years giving him access to work space, tools including a band saw, coping saws, sanders, buffers, Dremel and Foredom drills and grinders. It also provided him an opportunity to work with talented ivory carvers as well as a venue to market and sell his work.