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Artist Credits
Artist
Name: Michael Dangeli (see also
www.alaskanativeartists.com)
Piece Name: Human Portrait Mask
Biography
Michael is of the Nisga’a, Tlinget and Tsimshian Nation; his traditional name is Goothl T’similx, which means “the heart of the beaver lodge”. He belongs to the Beaver/Eagle clan. The Nisga’a originates from the Nass River valley of northern British Columbia. It is about 500 miles from Vancouver, BC.
Michael began learning his people’s ways at an early age by attending traditional feast/ceremonies and gathering/preparing traditional foods and performing in his family's dance group.
Michael began studying North West Coast art while still attending high school in Metlakatla, Alaska. Striving to understand and appreciate his people’s rich art form, he then majored in history at the University of Alaska Southeast-Ketchikan. In 1994 Michael began a yearlong apprenticeship under his Uncle, Master Carver Randy Adams of Prince Rupert, BC. From his uncle, Michael learned two-dimensional plaque and panel carving, mask making and design.
Wanting to continue his education, Michael moved to the Seattle area, where he joined the Tsimshian Haayuuk Dancers led by David Boxley, a renowned Alaskan Tsimishian Artist and Carver.
In 1998, Mr. Boxley, wanting to pass on his knowledge, accepted Michael’s request to become his apprentice. The apprenticeship included learning design and carving, also preparing for numerous shows and exhibits, including three totem poles.
Regularly returning home to Kincolith each year, Michael still studies Oral history and protocol from his grandmother Louise Barton-Dangeli. Michael has since relocated to British Columbia where he has created and implemented an art and carving based program called the House of Culture.
The House of Culture takes a holistic approach teaching art and culture to children, youth, adults and elders. The House of Culture offers classes, workshops and seminars to new, emerging and artists in general.
Michael’s works include design, regalia, masks, rattles, paddles, spoons and ladles, skin and box drums, bent wood boxes, several silk-screen prints, and seven totem poles.
Michael has had the privilege of demonstrating North West Coast art in British Columbia, Ontario, Austria, Malaysia, Germany, Alaska, Washington, Indiana, Idaho and Iowa.
Artist Statement
“As a former History major in college, I see practicing my Peoples rich art as a natural segue in continuing my study of history through our art. My goal is to educate and represent and also promote my people and to tell the world we are not just objects in a museum. We Are Alive!"