Artwork copyright John Hoover. Photo courtesy of the artist, 1986.

Artwork copyright John Hoover. Photo courtesy of the artist, 1986.

Loon People, 1984

John Hoover
American Unangax̂ (Aleut) (born 1919, died 2011)

Location: Washington State Arts Commission, Olympia

About the Artwork

Loon People is a hand-carved sculpture by Native Alaskan artist John Hoover (Aleut, 1919-2011). Comprised of three panels of redcedar wood, the central figure is flanked by stylized loons and faces that represent different spirits. The imagery and symbolism are influenced by the mythology of the Northwest Coast.

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 Washington State Arts Commission.

About the Artist

Aleut (Native Alaskan) artist and fisherman John Hoover (1919-2011) created two-dimensional artworks and hand-carved sculptures. They are often about the relationship between animals, mankind, and the spiritual. Hoover was born in Cordova, Alaska to a Russian Aleut mother and a German father.