Eskimo to the World

I am Trina Landlord and this is my blog. In a past life, Eskimo to the World documented my adventures in New York – where in minute everything can change. Much like my life changed when I moved from Alaska to the 'city that never sleeps'. From the biggest state in America to the most populous city in the United States. From the immaculate nature of the Chugach Mountains, Yukon River and Bering Sea to the urban tundra of sky scrapers, enclaves of business and cultural capitals and the nation's foremost trendsetters. From 'the great land' to arguably the 'greatest city on earth'. I made a 5,000 mile prodigious leap from Anchorage to New York City – AND BACK TO ALASKA. The determination of Yup’ik peoples to survive in harsh Arctic conditions had given me the foundation to survive on streets of New York, I will continue to chronicle the parallels of both worlds.

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July 4

The Silver Stars

Last week, we hosted a Master Artist Workshop with co-instructors Nicholas and Jerrod Galanin. Five emerging or mid-career artists were selected to participate in the workshop learning how to engrave silver. Above are photographs of the Silver Stars.

Contemporary artists have sought new and innovative ways to tell stories through visual means. Internationally acclaimed Tlingit/Aleut artist, Nicholas Galanin from Sitka, Alaska is the Master Artist instructing five emerging artists in a silverjewelry-making workshop.

Instructor, Nicholas Galanin, has struck an intriguing balance between his origins and the course of his practice. He was trained extensively in ‘traditional’ as well as ‘contemporary’ approaches to art; he pursues them both in parallel paths. His stunning bodies of work simultaneously preserve his culture and explore new perceptual territory. Galanin received a Bachelors of Fine Arts with honors in Jewelry Design and Silversmithing at the London Guildhall University in England. He attended Massey University in New Zealand earning a Master’s degree there in Indigenous Visual Arts. Galanin’s empowering and sought after work has been exhibited around the world.

There are hoops of all sizes in Nelly Furtado‘s new video for her single “Big Hoops (Bigger The Better)” and features world champion Native American Hoop Dancer, Tony Duncan. Video directed by Little X. Rock out.

“ I’m on Earth to make my ancestors smile a big smile. Emeka

“Ever since she married him, she moved into his house” by Ryan Romer

I work at an art gallery. I just purchased my first piece of artwork by Athabascan/Yup’ik artist, Ryan Romer. The piece is titled, “Ever since she married him, she moved into his house.”

What attracted me about this piece is its complexity. Its complex in the sense there is so much depth it is indescribable. I like the artists personal exploration and it spoke to me. I am affected by the feeling or mood of it. Its like a dialogue of giving and taking.

March 24

“ I’m not strange, I’m just not normal. Salvador Dali

I saw myself differently than who I’ve become

The manifestation of hate, anger, guilt, shame, resentment and rage prevent me from getting out of bed, brush my teeth, make coffee, eat and go to work.

Is it possible to call in sick with symptoms of unmotivation, uninspiration, hopelessness and infinite despair? I cry for the loss of a vision; I desperately seek for an immense shift in my thinking and searching sends me into another dimension of tears from exhausted eyes.

I internalize people, places, things and situations and cannot muster the courage to accept, or release the illusion of control. I am undefined; I run away from my thoughts, people and traditions to avoid my inhibitions and insecurities.

I long for deep sleep form the fierce thoughts in my head and seek solace in the darkness. Or the other extreme, days without sleep. I waver from the irresponsibility of my actions. Perhaps, if I do not think about it, it will cease to exist in my periphery.

“Get over it….this will pass…what is wrong with you…” is what I whisper to the reflection or they yell across thousands of miles away on the telephone. For a moment the facade of “it will never happen to me” weakness faltered and I could finally see the deep, lonely ache of complete hopelessness.

I sometimes act like I am strong, but just like everyone else I bleed when I am cut. I have fears and insecurities and I will not ever have all the answers.

Underneath the Mask I Wear

You see me as rational
as witty, warm and wise
but underneath the mask I wear
another spirit cries

You see me as a champion
you put your faith in me
but underneath the mask I wear
defeat is all I see

You see me as a survivor
who’s mastered all the pain
but underneath the mask I wear
I think that I’m insane

Pain Wore a Mask

It cuts like a knife when I’ve given it all
Time is so cruel, yet I was strong in my fall
I didn’t know it because pain wore a mask
And all I gave, received nothing in return
When it is too late, it will be known
All that I am is what’s known as home

Pride and Prejudice

Just look at her, they whispered
She thinks she’s so cool cause she lives in the city
Went all cosmopolitan on us
Walks in high heels with head up high
She’s sooo stuck up
Wears lipstick, mascara and blush
Talks with big words
She acts like she’s trying to be ‘qassaq,’ that traitor
One time I saw her in the city, she just ignored me

Just look at them looking at me, she thought
All the girls I went to Headstart with
That was a long time ago
What do we talk about?
Should I tell them about all the dreams I’ve had about home — like the time I was flying across the tundra
Or when my Auntie came to me in my dreams to say good-bye
What would like have been like if I stayed?
Could I move back and try to recapture the village I remember?

Terzah and I, February 2012, Anchorage

Here is a photo of my good friend/mentor, Terzah, and I at my work. She is wearing an ever cool, sheer kuspuk made by Yup’ik artist, Letha Simon.

Terzah and I have worked with each other in different lives. Alaska Native non-profit, private sector and she’s been a strong advocate for me in various times of my life.

You’re the best. As you always say, Cheers!