Artist: Randy Capoeman, Quinault 1956-2008

Randy was born in 1956 in Aberdeen, Washington and raised on the Quinault Reservation. The Quinault culture is located on the rugged central coast of Washington State. Randy was greatly influenced by his grandfather, Herb Capoeman, a noted canoe builder who was instrumental in insuring the continuity of Quinault traditions through fluency in the Quinault dialect and extensive knowledge of their traditions and culture. For Randy, his grandfather personified this ancient culture: living with the land, smoking salmon using the traditional methods, hunting elk, and serving as a steward of the heritage. His grandmother, Lizzie Capoeman, was a noted basket maker. As well, both his father and uncle influenced his appreciation of Native culture. Randy designed on paper since high school. For him, art was a vehicle for expressing thoughts and feelings as well as a source of solace and comfort. By studying literature and museum pieces, Randy acquired knowledge of Northwest Coast art. The books by Bill Holm were a major influence in his learning the basic form and design from the technical perspective. Much of Randy’s stylistic influence is from the Northern tribes: Haida, Kwagulth and Tlingit. Randy studied with Marvin Oliver, a noted Quinault/Isleta Pueblo teacher and artist of Northwest Coast art. His work reflects his experiences in designing in various styles of this region and his commitment to maintaining the strength and spirit of Native culture through art. Randy passed away on September 12, 2008 after a long battle with cancer.

Artist Description by The Legacy LTD

Silkscreen print, Museum Framed 20" × 16"