Painting Atmautluak 5
Yupic Eskimo boy, Atmautluak, Alaska, photo.
Before long I became aware that I had a little Yupic eskimo friend who silently shadowed my every move. He never spoke, and always had a sweet smile. I became very attached to my little buddy while I photographed the village of Atmautluak, searching for reference material to use as subject matter for a painting commissioned for the school. My thoughts rambled through many ideas, what about a painting of childrens faces, or a composite of places in the village in a montage, or perhaps an activity? Without a specific direction I continued searching for the perfect subject to paint.
More tomorrow.
Gail Niebrugge, Alaska Artist
February 27th, 2007 at 11:35 am
How wonderful to see these journal entries! I was a teacher in Atmautluak from 1977 to 1980, and had similar experiences when I arrived in the village, though it was in August. I have often thought about the people there. I wonder who this little boy was - probably a baby when I was there. I’m anxious to see the finished painting, which I hope you will be posting, and I’m curious to know why you are posting this story 20+ years after your visit.
February 28th, 2007 at 10:26 am
Janet,
Thank you for the nice comment. We recently moved into a new residence/studio and while packing for the move I became re-acquainted with all of my early journals and
photographs. I thought others might enjoy reading about and seeing the process that I
use to produce a painting. These early journals are a treasure trove of experiences and
document the contemporary history of Alaska. I’m sorry I didn’t keep a better record of
the names of the children.
Gail