Artwork copyright Lawrence Beck. Photo courtesy of the artist, 1986.

Punk Bear Spirit, 1984

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

Location: Washington State Arts Commission, Olympia

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Punk Bear Spirit is an example of artist Lawrence Beck's "Yup'ik" masks, which reinterpret traditional masks using everyday and found objects. He notes, "This juxtaposition creates a layer of meaning that illuminates the situation of natives and Native American art in contemporary society."

This artwork is part of Beyond Blue Mountains, a collection that was curated by late Tlingit (Native Alaskan) artist Jim Schoppert. It presents the work of Native American artists of diverse heritage, ideas, materials, and styles. The collection takes an in-depth look at the artists’ unique voices and interpretations of tradition.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Department of Corrections.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

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.