The Artist

 John Oscar, Atsaq

SPECIALTY:  Atsaq has been an artist since he took his first drawing class in 1978.  Atsaq produces innovative three-dimensional framed art integrating wood, feathers, walrus ivory, watercolor and acrylic paintings, representing Eskimo dancers wearing masks.    He also designs a unique blend of inlaid jewelry with fossilized mastodon ivory; walrus ivory and whale baleen, well sought after by repeat customers.  Before leaving Tununak, Oscar trained two full-time and three part-time craftsmen producing Yup'ik Fine Jewelry.  They continue to produce their own work today.

EDUCATION:  1977-1984 University of Alaska, Fairbanks.  His mentors were:

•  Ronald Senungetuk Introduced Oscar to the Alaska Native Art History and mask making, a world renown Inupiaq Eskimo artist.

• Terry Choy Taught and instructed Oscar in drawing and painting to which he uses today in his paintings.

• Glen Simpson Gave Oscar the fine marriage of precious metals with Alaska Native raw material of ivory, baleen, and mastodon ivory.  Featuring his own contemporary and traditional designs producing jewelry with a unique style of his own.

BUSINESS:  Oscar's Originals, 1978-Present, three-dimensional flat art, illustrations, prints, masks, and jewelry.

FAMILY    Oscar is a single dad with four children, widower since 1999, with lots of love to give.  Believes in Ellam Yua, cooks, cleans, hard working, dark hair, brown eyes, tan, does not smoke, average build, 5'10"... [:O)-

NUNIWARMIUT KASSIYURTAIT    Oscar was also a participant at the first-ever revival of the Cup'ig Eskimo Dances in Mekoryuk.  The village started the Nuniwarmiut Kassiyurtait and with invited guests from Tununak and Toksook Bay everyone celebrated in this heartfelt event.  Among his newfound friends and relatives, he volunteered his time from work to help organize the event.

Oscar's children also participate at practices today. 

POEMS  Check out Oscar's poems and reflections.

OSCAR'S MUSIC    Aside from his family, art and professional work, he plays music and has worked with a group from Toksook Bay, The Ivory Band,  and put together a compilation of his own music. 
 Ayayiri
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