The Arctic Worlds of Denise Wallace

One of the most creative and collectible Native artists that TMT carries is Denise Wallace, a Chugach Aleut woman who, by herself and in collaboration with her late husband Samuel, has created some of the most amazing jewelry of the modern era.  Her work always tells a story, with each piece titled and representing a facet of Alaskan Native culture.  Many of those reading this will be familiar with her work, but for those who are not, this blog entry will be a visual treat.

Sea Otter pin/pendant,1990, #14/20 (face is closed)

(face is open)

Wallace works mostly in silver, though gold accents are not uncommon.  She is known for using fossil ivory inlays, which as a member of an indigenous Alaskan group she can do legally.  One of the trademarks of her work is masks that open to reveal something underneath, usually a face.

Woman in Moon pin/pendant, 1988 (closed)

(open)

All of the designs are all Denise's, and up until Samuel's death in 2010, much of the fabrication was done him, an extremely talented craftsman.  Since that time, Denise has continued on creating and fabricating her own designs.  Since Samuel was not Native American, for years Denise was not allowed to exhibit at Indian Market, but she currently is an active participant and prizewinner. 

Seal Hunt ring, 1990

Most of the pieces Denise has made are multiples, with the sea otter above being number 14 of an edition of 20.  Smaller pieces such as the Woman in the Moon and Seal Hunt pieces above are larger editions, and not individually marked as such.  

Dancer Bracelet, 3/3, 1990 (closed)

(open)

More major pieces, like the Dancer bracelet above, are done in smaller editions (in this case, only 3).  This bracelet shows Wallace's use of different stones, in this case lapis, alongside the familiar fossil ivory.  

Fish earrings, undated

For those on a slightly more limited budget, Wallace also has created what she calls Gallery Line pieces, which are cast pieces with hand-executed elements added on, like the carving on the fish earrings above.  Most were done in Santa Fe between 1992 and 1997, after which the Gallery Line was discontinued.

Of her work, Denise has said, "My main goal is, through my work, to express Alaska Native culture."  

A very comprehensive book on Wallace's career was written and published by Lois Sherr Dubin in 2005, and shows many other great examples of her work.  It is called ARCTIC TRANSFORMATIONS: THE JEWELRY OF DENISE & SAMUEL WALLACE, and is available on Amazon.

All the pieces illustrated here are available for purchase--for more information, contact us at (480) 423-8777.