Amau’s Owl

Artist Statement: The original intention behind making the owl was to create a piece for my mom that represented my Amau’s (Great Grandmother in Inupiaq) warm and nurturing nature. After the passing of my Amau, I would hear stories from my mother about when she was working out in bush Alaska, that an owl would follow her around for days as she worked, watching over her to keep her safe and that she felt her grandmother’s spirit within it. I sculpted out the basic shapes/framework before adding in all the intricate details and then painted the owl with acrylic paints. Lastly, to make the whole piece come together I took a wire base, added moss, gathered twigs and branches from my yard to construct the nest. This piece is a dedication to my mother and Amau for the warmth and comfort they encompass me in.