Origin: Savoonga, St. Lawrence Island, AK
Culture: St. Lawrence Island Yupik
Fred Kingeekuk was born in December 10th, 1966 to Floyd Sr. and Amelia Kingeekuk. Fred comes from a long line of artists and learned extensively from his father who was a renowned scrimshaw artist. Carrying on the tradition, Fred Kingeekuk has developed the technique to create remarkably detailed scrimshaw vignettes and incredibly complex carvings that sometimes includes several figures or animals stacked on top of one another, all carved from the same piece of ivory. Known for his consistently high quality work, Fred has said that he goes over 80 miles around the island of St. Lawrence to dig up the special bone used in his elaborate carvings. Kingeekuk’s sons Miller and Daryl are already exhibiting the exceptional skill that runs in the family and the ability to carry on the impressive family name and tradition.
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