Blake Shaá’koon Lepine, was born and raised in Whitehorse, Yukon and is from Tlingit, Hän, Cree and Scottish descent. It’s the Tlingit culture that he grew up with, however, that most influences his artistic style.

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At a young age, Blake began experimenting with drawing animals and tracing out old designs from traditional carving books his mother had laying around. He spent many hours practicing and perfecting his own stylized form, adhering to the indigenous foundations while developing his own unique interpretation. To give a modern voice to an ancient style of art-making, Blake incorporates media aside from the traditional forms of carving and painting employed by his ancestors.

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He has also taken on studies in silk screen and design, beadwork, textile work and sewing, painted leather, collage, block printing and watercolour. He employs bright, often fluorescent colours to highlight the vibrancy of the new generation of indigenous people. In this way, his work feels contemporary, though it is always reflective of the culture he so passionately honours, incorporating traditional motifs within.

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Blake currently lives in Whitehorse, Yukon with his wife and children where he paints, carves and enjoys dancing as a full time performer for the Dakhka Khwaan Dancers, a traditional Tlingit dance group based in Whitehorse.

 

Blake has become a great knowledge keeper through harvesting and researching traditional medicines. He spends his time singing and dancing, speaking his Tlingit language, playing guitar, teaching, telling stories and spending time with his family on the land, learning about who they are as indigenous people, and sharing his rich culture with others.

 

Blake has previously shown in several exhibitions, including at the Inuit Gallery of Vancouver, and sells his work internationally from his home in the Yukon. Most recently, Blake’s work was featured in the new CBC/Netflix show, North of North (Season 2, out in 2027).