ODIN LONNING
 

Odin Lonning (Tlingit name Sh'now Taan) is a professional First Nations artist from Juneau, Alaska. He is Woosh Ke Taan (Eagle/Shark) Clan through his Tlingit mother and shares the name of his Norwegian father.

After seeing his first traditional dance performance at age ten, Odin was motivated to explore Tlingit art. Local Native artists, culture centers, and museums in Southeast Alaska inspired him. Seeking a deeper understanding of the culture essential to his artwork, Odin learned traditional Tlingit dance and songs. He dances with groups in Seattle and Alaska.

When Odin was twenty, the Juneau school district, Juneau Centennial Committee, Goldbelt Corporation, and Sealaska Corporation all commissioned pieces from him for permanent display. In 1989 he attended the Institute of American Indian Art in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Over the past 25 years, Odin has won multiple awards in art shows throughout the western U.S.

Odin now does private commissions from his island home near Seattle. He recently produced many custom furniture designs for local Native casinos with Northwest Native Designs, a Native-owned furniture company featured in Native Peoples magazine.

Odin's works in traditional and contemporary media include carved wooden boxes, bowls, wall panels, masks, paddles, and totems; painted drums and originals; applique and leather dance regalia; graphic design for jewelry and furniture; etched glass and copper; and designs for boats, cars, kayaks, planes, and front doors. Odin created the logo for the 2002 ACS conference

Also see OdinLonning.com.