Glacier Bear

Inspired by the glacier bear (Ursus americanus emmonsii), also known as the “blue bear.” Endemic to Southeast Alaska, the extreme northwestern tip of British Columbia, and the extreme southwest of the Yukon, this subspecies of American black bear is characterized by its silver-blue or gray hair.

 

The Tlingit name for the glacier bear, “sik noon,” means “a bear that disappears,” referencing their size, elusiveness, and ability to visually blend into snowfields. Little scientific knowledge exists about their total extent and the cause of their unique coloration. This mystery and their ability to camouflage in the ice inspired me to depict the glacier bear as part of the glacier, almost disappearing.

 

Also we can find an eagle and a puffin, represented as peculiar characters taking part in a shamanism act.

 

The eagle is known as the creature with the closest relationship to the creator in the Tlinglit culture. He can travel between the physical and the spiritual world.

 

Then on the right side we find a puffin. Puffins embody values like faith, community, and new beginnings.