Athabascan Indian Boy

Title: Athabascan Indian Boy
Owner: Mom and Dad Iten
Received from: Mom
Creation Date(s): 1980's Alaska sessions
Original: No
Medium: Pencil
Framed: Yes
Notes: B/W...signed (3/500)...all three prints of the Athabascan Indians were drawn while Steve lived in Fairbanks, AK in 1983. This portrait (along with the other Alaskan prints) was inspired by historic photos of the Athabaskan Indians that Steve came across at the library in Fairbanks, AK - noted by Teresa (Steve's sister).

"During the summer of 1983, I worked on Prince of Wales Island in SE Alaska. In August, I traveled up to Fairbanks to visit Steve. During his time in Fairbanks, he was hoping to finally make a living as an artist. Not wanting to create mainstream Alaskan art, he'd research subjects at the Fairbanks Historical Society. That's were he discovered the abundant archive of Athabaskan Indians. Inspired, and in the throes of artistic fervor, Steve created a substantial inventory of artwork in a relatively short period of time. Steve worked at a print shop during the day; then under the glow of the midnight sun, he would sketch. During my visit, I watched as Steve sketched the "Athabaskan Indian Boy" from beginning to end (about three nights). Watching him create his art was one of the most amazing things I ever witnessed."

- Teresa Asleson (Steve's sister)