Making of Ocean Song
Full Spectrum Mural
Light reflects back images and we see different parts of reality. As I step into realism I continue to explore concepts of reality and perspective. I wanted the viewer to look into this face and feel like they are looking into the thoughts, reflections and beauty of another reality. A ever changing reality. Light is made up of all the colors of the rainbow to create white light. The gaze of this face has two alternating triangle spirals.
This mask is painted on the Historic Kobuk Coffee House in Downtown Anchorage, AK located on 5th and E street. August 14th-24th 2022
5 foot Yupik Mask 2022
This piece was a commission for a Corporation in Alaska. It will be located in Juneau. Updated info to come on the next phase of this process:)!!!!
Building Tulukaruq (Raven)
Commission for a client in Australia. 2022
Building of Cook Inlet Tribal Council’s Resiliency mask to commemorate the 2018 7.1 magnitude Earthquake.
Building a Resiliency Mask for Cook Inlet Tribal Council. Built after the large earthquake that created water damage on much of the building. I was asked to create a piece that told a story of resiliency. I thought about how we all carry our values though our lives and this is our culture, it keeps us alive. That is our resiliency.
Built a small model to help see how the wall wood panel would look with paint.
Painting the walnut back drop wall. All screws and cross boards were installed on the back. No screw hole was put into the front surface. I wanted to create a space that took people to one of my favorite places in Alaska, the ocean shores. I feel I am able to see so many places all over the state within this painting. The walnut offered a nice darkness that when painted on gave some depth to the image. Scary for me to paint something so large and with so much cost. The wood alone for this back drop was close to $2,000.
In the Making
Sedna.2019.June
Dawn-Tinted Love.2019.June
Edwards Birds.2019.March
Through the Darkness 2017
31'“x210x5”
“Through the Darkness holds the feelings of transitions. As time moves forward the reality of who we are as people lives on and the humanity that we live in has to come to the surface. In all my times of transitions birds have been there to guide the way. I may see life pass on as time does but who I am will not fade without reaching out to something greater. A balance will find its way into who we are and the lives we live.”
-Drew Michael, 2017
The inner spirit of an animal often shows itself with human characteristics and faces because this helps us to see ourselves within another being. The white line that surrounds the face and reaches up to the raven’s head represents the spiritual guidance birds offer, as the raven carries this piece through time, experiences, and transitions. The red chin represents the connection to ones humanity. It is a reference to grounding oneself to their senses as a whole person.
This Be Your Lucky Star 2012
30.5'“x7.5'“x3.25”
“This Be Your Lucky Star” was inspired by a charm necklace recovered from the RMS Titanic many years after she sank. The being represented here carries a breast plate that is directly inspired by a charm found inside a leather bag on the ocean floor. The beads are strung on metal chain and link. If we open up our hearts and live with love we will find truth. Let love guide the way.
Lunar Equilux 2017
31”x20”x2”
“She is when you stand outside in the middle of the a cold February night looking at the shadows as they hold space on the snow. She is the summer early morning when the moon and her light color the Earth and all the plants that blanket the ground. Her energy and spirit radiate out into the universe.”