Jimmy Tatayuna Carlisle was raised in Nome, AK for most of his life where at the age of seven he started to learn to carve and hunt from his grandfather, Joachim Koyuk, a well known carver, and also from his uncles. Jimmy’s heritage is from King Island (Ukivokmiut) meaning the “People of the Sea” which is about 90 miles from Nome.
Carlisle works in a variety of media, making sculptures and masks using walrus ivory, whale bone, and wood. He is renowned for his carved dancing figures. He also makes traditional style snow goggles and gut skin drums.
Carlisle has artwork throughout Alaska in museums and many galleries including the Anchorage Museum of History and Art at the Rasmuson Center, the Alaska House Gallery in Fairbanks, the Alaska Native Medical Center, the Alaska Native Heritage Center, and the Bering Straits Native Corporation. His artwork is also in the hands of private collectors in various countries.
Carlisle is the August artist-in-residence from August 23rd until September 8th. He will do a final Artist’s Talk, “Life on King Island” on September 8th. See our event calendar for the days and hours he will be demonstrating at the museum.
