Bronze Sculptures Work
With the encouragement of friend and sculptor, Lee McCartt, Darlene began to sculpt with clay. She has created sculptures of her Aleut/Alutiiq ancestors and has them cast in bronze. Drawing on her own experiences as an Alaskan Native and by studying clothing, facial adornments, and tattoos documented by explorers of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries she is able to create pieces that express more fully her connection to her ancestors. Her pieces, like well-told stories, reveal the hard life, joy, intelligence, and rich culture of her ancestors.
She has recently completed a bust of Pelagia Melgenak, commissioned by the Katmai National Park and Preserve. Placement in the Park is tentatively scheduled for the spring of 2022.
Artist Statement: As I sculpted, I began to feel that I personally knew her. Pelagia’s features show the passage of time, strength, courage and self-determination. She was blessed with long life and loved by many.
Pelagia, we wait with you for the completion of your journey back to the ancestral land you so loved. Where you will forever gaze towards the changing seasons that sustain life and the living culture of the indigenous people of Alaska.
For more information on Pelagia Melgenak go to HTTPS://nps.gov/people-Melgenak.htm
NOTE: Not All Items Are In Stock – After you place your order and we will contact you to discuss specific details, ship times and to finalize your order. Each piece is hand made and is a custom piece or artwork. A 50% deposit will be required to begin work. Shipping, handling, and insurance varies depending on items ordered.
In Regalia
In Regalia is approx. 11 inches high,9 inches wide and 5 inches deep. Black marble base is approx. 5 ½ in diameter.
Limited to 35. Current Edition ( 18 ) Weight approx. 22# ( $ 3.900.00 )
The Elder
The Elder is approx. 13 inches high, 9 inches wide and 5 inches deep. Black marble base is approx. 5/12 in diameter.
Limited to 35. Current Edition (11) Weight approx. 22# ($ 3,550.00 )
The Chief
The Chief is approx. 13 inches high, 9 inches wide and 2 inches deep. Black marble base is approx. 8 inches in diameter.
Limited to 50. Current Edition (15) Weight approx. 22# ( $ 3.500.00 )
Dance of the Gull
Dance of the Gull is approx. 11 inches high, 6 inches wide at arm spread and 2 inches deep.
Limited to 20. Current Edition (11) Weight approx. 5# ($ 3,100.00 ) Pricing does not cover mailing and insurance. ( 200.00 ) Add (100.00) to the Dance of the Gull)