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About the Artist

Kina Uswi?

I was born and raised in Sun'aq (Kodiak). I currently live in Sun'aq with my significant other and our two pooches. I went to college on Lingít Aani for 2 years where I was taught the craft of carving, the Lingít language, and the importance of healing through creating. Gunalchéesh to my Lingít mentors, teachers and friends who greatly impacted my journey.

My mom is Sugpiaq, born and raised in Kodiak. My dad is from El Salvador and is of Pipil and Lenca descent.

I grew up learning Sugpiaq crafts from my emaa, Googie. She inspired me to get involved in my Sugpiaq culture by dancing and singing and learning Sugpiaq language. Quyanasinaq to Googie and my Sugpiaq mentors, family and friends.

My art is deeply inspired by my family and our cultures. I am knowledgeable and multifaceted in many art forms such as: painting, carving, skin sewing, drawing and design.

I am proud of who I know, what I do, where I'm from , and why I create.

Quyanaa, gunalchéesh, gracias for taking the time to get to know me!

PORTFOLIO

Sea Monster Paddle
I carved this paddle in Tlingit Master Carver Wayne Price's class at UAS. The shape style is after a traditional Tlingit paddle. The design is after traditional Sugpiaq paddle designs, with a Sugpiaq formline sea monster added to the front.
This paddle was brought to life on a canoe journey in Auk Bay by my dear friend Deiyíktdaa, Sage Logan.
Isuwiq
8x11 acrylic on canvas
One Who Sees
In 2016, I completed this paper pieced quilt. It hung in the Koniag building for a year before gifted to my mother.
It was inspired by a design my grandmother, Sharon Wolkoff, created in the 90s for Koniag's banner that now hangs in the National Museum of the American Indian.
Skin
8x11 acrylic on canvas
Mask Up
8x11 gouache on paper
This design was created for Sun'aq Tribe in April 2020, when the pandemic was first hitting Alaska.
Sun'aq Summer
8x11 acrylic on canvas
One of many quarantine pieces.
Don't Look at Me
10x12 oil pastel, ink and paint marker on cardboard
San Miguel Arcangel
3x3 acrylic on canvas.
A gift to my abuela.