The Artist: Susan Jones

Susan Jones is a Cup'ik Alaska Native raised along the Kuskokwim River in rural Alaska. In childhood she was gifted the Yup'ik name Kauk'aq. Her family originates from Nunivak Island, near Mekoryuk, Alaska. She was raised in a westernized household despite being on Alaska Native lands. Her cultural journey began as a young adult after becoming a wife and mother, in which time she adopted traditional practices within her household for her four kids to learn and live.

At a young age Susan found a lot of peace in art, and at that time it was working with pastels and paint. As she grew into adulthood and motherhood, she dabbled in fiber work and sewing. Amid the pandemic, while crafting with her daughter she taught herself to bead which has evolved into a craft seen as an extension of herself. Through her craft she emulates her cultural identity and experience in a unique style.

In the rich desire to connect with her heritage and cultural roots came hours of research, reflection and design inspired by ancestral art pieces from her mothers’ birthplace. Many of her art pieces provide visual narratives of historical art crafted with a combination of modern techniques, traditional materials and carefully skilled designs. In an effort to preserve cultural legacies of Cup’ik and Yup’ik peoples, cultural expression is at the heart of many of her contemporary creations.