Andrew Abyo

Interviewed by Maddie B

When I was at the Alaska Native Heritage Museum I met a man named Andrew Abyo. He lives in Pilot Point, Alaska, which is located along the Alaskan peninsula.
That area is known for its red salmon fishing. He said that he has lived in Alaska all of his life and that he is part of the Alitiiq culture. He never knew much about the history of the culture and his ancestors until around 2005. Before he worked at the museum and became an artist he had always worked a 9 to 5 job so he never had time to work on art, although he always kind of had an interest in trying it.

When I asked him what made him decide to become an artist Andrew answered, “I never really knew I wanted to be an artist until around 2004. One day I was sitting at home and my mom called and said Freddie your going to go take an art class tonight, so I went. Art just felt natural inside me. It felt right to be doing art for a living.” Andrew now teaches classes, seminars, and sells some of his original pieces. Andrew told me that artwork really ignited his passion to learn more about the history of his culture (The Alitiiq Culture).“I saw that my two daughters knew nothing about their ancestors or their culture, but then I looked at myself and realized that I didn’t either. I can’t blame anyone else for not knowing his or her culture unless I try to learn myself”, he told me.

When he looked into the Alitiiq culture/background he found out its population was decimated by exploitation and epidemics. Out of one hundred people only 1 or 2 survived. “A lot of culture and tradition was lost that way”, He stated. He has really enjoyed getting to know his background and where he came from. It’s really important to him now that all 4 of his children know their background as well.

Andrew loves working at the museum. “ I get to do art for a living, which is what I love. Detail, I think, is what really sets my work apart from others. I get paid as an employee at the museum and still get to sell my pieces separately. Its really amazing,” he said. He also teaches a few classes and seminars. “Its really rewarding because what I teach to my students they teach to others and that’s what really brings our culture to life.” So far this Journey for him has changed his life.

                  *To find out more, and to see pictures of his artwork go to www.andrewabyo.com