Artistry in Pixels and Beads
Meet Uswi:
An artist born and raised in the inspiring landscapes of Sun'aq (Kodiak, Alaska), now residing on Dena’ina land. Uswi's mission is to build a vibrant artistic community where knowledge is shared, youth are empowered, and creativity thrives. Drawing from a rich heritage spanning continents, Uswi proudly embraces her Sugpiaq lineage from Kodiak and her father's roots in El Salvador. Guided by her beloved grandma, Sharon Wolkoff, she transforms passions for dance, song, and art into a celebration of her Sugpiaq culture. With a diverse artistic repertoire, including digital art, painting, carving, beading, and more, Uswi weaves her identity, origins, and purpose into every creation. Join her artistic journey and help build a welcoming community together.
Artist Statement
I am Uswi Madrid, a Sugpiaq artist hailing from the rugged shores of Kodiak, Alaska, and carrying the cultural legacy of El Salvador. Currently, I call Dena’ina Elnena my home, where my heart finds solace at the confluence of land and sea, a reflection of my world's myriad visions.
My creative journey is akin to the ever-changing tides of the sea, marked by moments of stillness and torrents of inspiration. As I evolve and heal through my art, my process mirrors the ebb and flow of life.
Rooted in my diverse cultural heritage, my art blossoms with vibrant imagery, weaving the stories of petroglyphs and fantastical creatures into a tapestry that explores my multicultural universe. It is a profound connection to the past, yet whimsical, futuristic, and dreamlike in its essence.
Tlingit Master Carver, Wayne Price, once imparted to me the wisdom that "culture sustains," a testament to the enduring strength of cultural heritage. Indeed, it has been culture that cradled me during challenging times and introduced me to remarkable souls. During my three years of study at the University of Alaska Southeast in Juneau, though a degree eluded me, I found a nurturing community that embraced me wholeheartedly. To Wayne, Kolene, Lyle, Sage, Naulalria, and all my cherished friends on Lingit Aani, I extend my heartfelt gratitude. They believed in me when I doubted myself, guiding me on this artistic voyage.
My upbringing in Kodiak is etched with fond memories – frolicking in mud puddles behind our family's trailer, ocean swims until my lips turned blue, and harmonious dances with the Kodiak Alutiiq Dancers from my earliest recollections. My grandmother, Sharon Wolkoff, lovingly known as Googie, initiated me into the Alutiiq/Sugpiaq traditions. From crafting bentwood hats to berry-picking, fishing, and the ethos of community, she provided the bedrock upon which I explored my identity as an artist and culture bearer.
Through the Kodiak Alutiiq Dancers, I found a conduit to incredible community members who generously shared their wisdom. I offer my deepest gratitude to my Sugpiaq mentors, friends, and family for safeguarding our culture and language, ensuring their enduring vitality.
My art carries a mission – to inspire contemplation of the past while navigating the uncharted waters of the future. I believe that the power to dream is nothing short of revolutionary. Through historical oppression, our right to speak, think, and dream freely has been unjustly stripped from us. To dream is to be free.
In the tapestry of my art, I aspire to carve a haven within the community. A place where knowledge flows, learning takes root, dreams flourish, and authenticity reigns supreme.
With gratitude and inspiration,
Uswi Madrid
Full Artist Bio
Alyssa 'Uswi' Madrid was born and raised in Sun'aq (Kodiak, Alaska), a place that continues to serve as a wellspring of inspiration in her life. Now residing on Dena’ina land, Uswi dreams of nurturing a sense of community among fellow artists and culture bearers. She is passionate about sharing knowledge with youth and community members, aiming to create a space where people can come, learn, teach, create, and build community together.
With a rich heritage spanning continents, Uswi proudly acknowledges her Sugpiaq lineage, rooted in Kodiak, and her father's ancestry, hailing from El Salvador.
Uswi's artistic journey began under the nurturing guidance of her grandma, Sharon Wolkoff, who instilled in her a profound love for Sugpiaq traditions. Dancing, singing, and art evolved from mere passions into powerful avenues for connecting with and celebrating her Sugpiaq culture. She extends her gratitude, saying "Quyanasinaq," to Googie and the invaluable support of Sugpiaq mentors, family, and friends she has encountered over the years.
Drawing from her diverse family and cultural backgrounds, Uswi has cultivated a multifaceted artistic repertoire that includes painting, carving, beading, skin sewing, drawing, and design.
In Uswi's artistic journey, pride emerges from the tapestry of her identity, origins, and the profound purpose that fuels her creativity.
Uswi expresses warm thanks to all who take the time to explore her artistic world and get to know her.