Lawrence Beck

(American | Inuit-Chanagmiut, born 1938, died 1994)

Northwest sculptor Lawrence "Larry" Beck (Inuit-Chanagmiut, 1938-1994) explored elemental and abstract forms while creating humorous pop interpretations of traditional symbols. He is of Yupik Eskimo heritage. In the 1970s, Beck gained acclaim for his creation of Native-Alaskan "Yup'ik" masks using everyday and found objects.

Beck attended the University of Washington in Seattle. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (1964) degree in painting, with a minor in art history and ceramics, and a Master of Fine Arts (1965) degree in sculpture.