Alisa Blake

Artist Story

I'm a Gwich'in Metis and lnuvialuit artist who focuses on tufting and beadwork. I make a wide range of items, from jewelry to mitts to graduation stoles. I predominately work with beads, incorporating a whole range of different mediums to my work, from moose hide and caribou hair, to furs and embroidery. 

I have been sewing ever since I was a little girl. My grandma would give me little pieces of hide to play with. That might have been to get me out of their hair, but it's what got me started! Both my grandmother and my mother were influential in my learning of beadwork and sewing.

One of my main source of inspiration comes from what I have seen my grandma and mom create: their work is truly amazing! My ultimate goal would be to one day be able to make artwork that is as beautiful as what they do. I am learning to tan my own hide with the help of my mom now. It is so much work, but I am excited about the process.

Whatever item I envision making in the moment dictates what materials I will use. Sometimes I don't know what the end result will look like, as I follow my feelings in the moment. I might end up with really soft looks, or bold and loud ones.

Over time, my work has become neater, especially when it comes to tufting. I learned to tuft by myself until I got comfortable with it, a process that taught me a lot of patience! But now, I can make roses, with petals and leaves. It's rewarding to see that I've come such a long way.
I'm inspired by the colours that I see when out on the land. I spend most of my time outdoors, whether I'm training our sled dogs or going for walks in nature. When I'm out there, I feel so grounded. That's the feeling I bring back with me to pour into my artwork. My goal is to make pieces that will end up giving this grounded joyful feeling to the people who wear them.

One day, I wish I could show my work in an exhibit space that mimics the outdoors, with natural light and sounds. Everything that I use, except the findings, come from the land: it would be wonderful to tie my artwork to the space from which it was born.

I create art because it's something that brings me joy. It calms me. When I sew, everything just gets quiet: I am fully present in the moment. It's my happy place. We also cannot forget that not too long ago, Indigenous people weren't allowed to practice these crafts. Now, my art practice connects me to m Ancestors and allows me to sta close to m culture in rofound wa s. It's a reclamation act.

Artist Bio

My name is Alisa Blake, and I am an Indigenous multidisciplinary artist whose work is rooted in culture, storytelling, and a profound connection to the land. Inspired by the lands of the North—where breathtaking beauty meets rugged resilience—I draw upon the rhythms of the seasons, the wildlife, and the enduring spirit of the land to shape my artistic vision. My work reflects a deep respect for the land, honoring its strength, its stories, and the profound connection between people, culture, and nature.

Working across a diverse range of mediums and materials, I blend traditional Indigenous techniques with contemporary artistry to create works that celebrate culture, identity, connection, and storytelling. My artistic practice encompasses intricate beadwork, wearable art, hide work, and one-of-a-kind creations, with each piece reflecting a deep respect for heritage while embracing innovation and creative expression.

For me, art is more than something to be admired—it is a way to preserve knowledge, honor those who came before me, and carry forward the stories that shape Indigenous communities. Every piece I create is made with intention, inviting connection, reflection, and conversation while celebrating the resilience, beauty, and strength of Indigenous cultures.

Through my work, I hope to inspire others to embrace their own stories, foster meaningful connections across generations, and celebrate the richness and diversity of Indigenous artistry. As my artistic journey continues to evolve, I remain committed to creating work that honors the past, speaks to the present, and inspires future generations.

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Artist Gallery

Inspired by the vibrant colours that blanket the northern tundra each summer, these earrings celebrate the beauty that flourishes in a landscape shaped by resilience. Created using traditional caribou hair tufting on hand-tanned and smoked moosehide, they honour the knowledge, artistry, and respect for the land that have been carried forward through generations. Through every stitch and tuft, this piece reflects the enduring relationship between people, culture, and the North.
Inspired by the enduring relationship between the land and water, this piece captures the quiet rhythm of the North. Like rivers that carve the landscape and lakes that reflect endless skies, the flowing beadwork evokes movement, resilience, and the stories carried across generations. Each bead reflects the changing light upon the water, celebrating the beauty, strength, and enduring spirit of the North while honoring the timeless connection between people, culture, and the land. Inspired by the wildflowers that flourish along the shores of Great Slave Lake, this piece captures the fleeting beauty of a northern summer. As sunlight dances across the water like scattered diamonds, the land awakens with colour and life. Through every bead and stitch, I honour the enduring relationship between the land and water, celebrating the resilience, beauty, and stories that continue to blossom across generations. The land has always been our greatest teacher and provider. Inspired by this enduring relationship, these beaver fur mitts honour the knowledge, respect, and traditions that have sustained Indigenous peoples across the North for generations. Every stitch is a tribute to living in harmony with the land and carrying its teachings forward. Inspired by the resilience of the northern landscape, these earrings celebrate the quiet return of life with each changing season. Like new growth emerging from the earth after a long winter, they honour the strength, renewal, and beauty found throughout the North. Through every bead and stitch, this piece reflects the enduring relationship between people, the land, and the stories that continue to grow across generations. Inspired by the lands of the North—where breathtaking beauty meets rugged resilience—these sealskin mitts are a reflection of winter's enduring spirit. The natural markings of the sealskin echo the uniqueness of the northern landscape, while the black rabbit fur frames the piece with warmth and elegance. Through traditional materials and contemporary artistry, this work honours a land that is both gentle and unforgiving, where beauty is not found despite the harshness of winter, but because of it. Inspired by the Northern Lights that illuminate the skies of the Northwest Territories, this piece celebrates one of the North's most breathtaking gifts. Flowing shades of green and purple reflect the movement of the aurora as it dances across the night sky, creating moments of wonder that connect us to the land, the seasons, and those who have gathered beneath its light for generations. Through every bead and stitch, this piece honors the beauty, mystery, and enduring spirit of the North. Inspired by the cottongrass that sways across the northern tundra, these earrings celebrate the quiet beauty found in the simplest moments on the land. Handcrafted using traditional caribou hair tufting on hand-tanned and smoked moosehide, they honour the artistry, knowledge, and respect for the land that have been carried forward through generations. Through every stitch and tuft, this piece reflects the enduring connection between people, culture, and the North. Tufted earrings Tufted earrings Tufted earrings Tufted earrings Beaded earrings Beaded earrings Beaded earrings

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