Biography

Israel Shotridge is one of Alaska's finest Tlingit carvers, he was born and raised in Ketchikan, Alaska in the heart of the Tongass National Forest which was named after his tribal ancestors; the Tongass Tribe (Taantakwaan), the SeaLion people. Israel is a member of the Bear Clan, which in Tlingit is written as "Teikweidee." Israel's Tlingit name, Kinstaadaal, means "The Bear That's Standing Up." His lineage is from his mother Esther Shea who was the matriarch of the Teikweidee - Taantakwaan of Ketchikan, from the Kaats Hit Bear House. His father Milton Jackson was a Kaagwantaan Tlingit from Klukwan, Alaska.

Over the past 25 years, Israel has accomplished many significant works of art. Most noted are the many replicated monumental tribal totem poles located throughout Southeast Alaska. Shotridge's totems stand in Totem Bight National State Park, Klawock, Alaska's Totem Park, Saxman, Alaska's Totem Park, and downtown Ketchikan. Three most significant totems to Shotridge's credit are the 55' Chief Johnson Totem Pole which Israel replicated in 1989 (see below) and two other more recent contemporary totem poles, the 40' KIC Totem Pole which honors the Native community of Ketchikan, Alaska and the 12' "Hall of Nations" U.S. Forest Service totem that is installed in the headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Shotridge's Totem Poles, House Screens, Relief Panels, Masks, Canoes, Bentwood Boxes, and Ceremonial Objects all have been commissioned specifically for museums, airports, public, corporate and private collections throughout the United States, Scotland, Germany and England.

As a highly skilled Master in Carving and Engraving, Israel's artworks are continually sought after by collectors wishing to acquire the finest in traditinal Tlingit artistry.

In addition to creating commissioned masterpieces, Israel often finds time to share his knowledge by teaching Tlingit Culture & the Art of Carving to the community at large, young and old, Native and non- Native who are interested to learn.

As an Alaskan Native Artist, Israel brings to his work the pride and sensitivity of his Indian heritage. Preserving the art of traditional Tlingit carving has been a natural for Israel. The sophisticated beauty of the Tlingit designs are highly regarded in the world of art and his fine work is faithful to those traditional natural images.

Israel's creative time is often split, he returns to S.E. Alaska to restore or to replicate his tribal totems when requested by his tribe and when possible attends cultural celebrations. Israel creates corporate and private art commissions at his studio located at his home on Vashon Island, Washington nearby Seattle with his wife Sue who is also his business partner, and their 16 year old daughter Autumn.

More recently, Shotridge opened his own art gallery where for the first time in his career he is able to exhibit his original artworks for the public to view. The Shotridge gallery is located at 314 Occidental Ave. S in the heart of Pioneer Square among the many other prominent art galleries in Seattle. On the First Thursday of each month visitors to the Shotridge Gallery have the opportunity to meet with Israel to discuss his art during the Pioneer Square Artwalk and check out his newest artpiece.