Questions and answers with David John Angaiak of Angaiak Fine Art
Calista shareholder David John Angaiak is a talented artist dedicated to passing on the craft of Yup’ik masks to the next generation.
Angaiak began his professional art career in 2018 and strives to represent his Yup’ik and Aleut heritage. He is grateful to his family who has continually encouraged his artistic pursuits.
He his business listed Angaiak Fine Art in our Calivika Shareholder Directory last summer, and he has his own website where you can learn more: www.angaiakfineart.comOh.
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF AND THE INSPIRATION WHY YOU FOUNDED ANGAIAK FINE ART.
I often depict nature based on personal experiences related to birds and marine life I have encountered along the coasts of Southwest Alaska. My father is from Tununak on Nelson Island and my mother is from Bristol Bay.
As a young boy, I spent most of my time in Fairbanks. When I was about 10, he took a Native Arts class in college and one day he came home and said he was going to make a mask. I didn’t know what he was talking about, my mind was on Halloween. As he explained it to me, I realized there was more to our culture than I knew. That’s actually where it all started, when I realized there was a part of our history as a Yup’ik people that isn’t as common today. Mask making has been a part of my life ever since. Today, I teach mask carving workshops to encourage the next generation to explore and experience the art style of our ancestors.
WHERE CAN OUR READERS BUY YOUR PRODUCTS/SERVICES?
You can visit my online art gallery at mwww.angaiakfineart.com. I am also present on social media via Instagram: @angaiakfineartand Facebook: @davidjohnangaiak
HOW HAS YOUR COMPANY GROWN SINCE IT WAS FOUNDED?
In 2018, my wife and I talked about the future and where we wanted to be in the next ten years. I said I wanted to devote myself full-time to my art. Since then, my art can be found in private collections and museums both here and abroad; in Germany, Belgium, throughout the US, and in Juneau. I have networked with many other amazing artists from our region and around the world. I have had the opportunity to be an artist-in-residence at the Friends of Sheldon Jackson Museum in Sitka and to lead mask-making workshops with the University of Alaska Anchorage and the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Teaching art was a big leap for me because I don’t want our style of art to disappear as a Yup’ik people. I want this style of art to evolve through teaching others; it is part of my growing business.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO Aspiring Entrepreneurs?
Stay bold in pursuing your dreams, always believe that it is possible and don’t be afraid of setbacks or mistakes. There are times when it can get difficult, whether it’s because you’re not making sales or sometimes you have an artistic block. Don’t despair in those moments and remember to believe in yourself. If you have the opportunity to collaborate with other artists or work with friends and family, try to pass on your knowledge. Knowledge can come from other people or from experience. Teaching someone else something often increases your own awareness of your practice.
WHAT DO YOU HAVE FUTURE PLANS FOR YOUR BUSINESS?
I want to offer traveling classes as the art of mask carving is not as widespread as I would like. It is important for the next generation to experience and practice what was once commonplace in our region. I plan to continue to develop a more extensive curriculum that is easily accessible for others to learn the history, practice and application of mask making. I also want to expand my business to include photography. As an artist and business person, many skills are required to market yourself successfully. Photography is another element I want to explore to diversify my income streams.
CAN YOU GIVE AN EXAMPLE OF A TIME WHERE YOUR COMPANY HAS HELPED TO SPREAD OR PRESERVE CULTURAL KNOWLEDGE?
Every time I interact with someone, I notice that they are hungry to learn and understand who we are and what art means from the perspective of our peoples. I like to share that the art of our peoples was not necessarily the same as the art we put on a wall or in a museum or hang in an office today. Our art was part of our daily lives, not just a means of expression. These are the things that excite me about being an artist and a businessman.
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