Exciting news! Alaska Dept. of Commerce x Voyij announce new partnership to support Alaskan makers: shop Made In Alaska gifts here

VOYIJ

Guest login

Already have an account? Sign in

"Fishing Bear" Carving On A Soapstone by Ron Ekemo

"Fishing Bear" Carving On A Soapstone by Ron Ekemo
Shipping Policies

Delivery Options

Description

Soapstone is much softer than granite or even marble. The talc content of soapstone gives it a rating of 1 on the Mohs hardness scale. Because of this, it is easily carved.

Alabaster is a mineral or rock that is soft, often used for carving, and is processed for plaster powder. Both types of alabaster have similar properties. They are usually lightly colored, translucent, and soft stones. They have been used throughout history primarily for carving decorative artifacts.

This sculpture has been crafted in the tradition of the North, utilizing natural whalebone material obtained in rural Alaska. Before the introduction of lumber and other building supplies, whalebone was a critical construction material in the treeless arctic environment. It was used for house frames, sleds, utensils and tools. As a sculpting material, it was made into dolls, charms, fetishes, and masks.

Some of the whalebone currently used for sculpting is found in ancient hunting sites or in natural

“washups” of the giant skeletons and skulls found on the beaches. This type of mineralized bone ranges in age from several hundred to perhaps thousands of years old.

Today, artists use whalebone due to the interesting textures, shapes, and special qualities not found in other materials. Whalebone sculptures are also highly imaginative and innovative. Often, the design is simply an extension of the natural shape of the bone.

As carvers continue to create artwork from this intriguing material, whalebone will always stand out as a truly unique art form.

Soapstone is a “steatite,” a precious form of soft stone that is highly valued as a carving medium, but is also used in baby powder, paints, and rubber. Deposits can be found from around the world, in colors ranging from brown, blue, green, and red depending on the mineral content.

Meet the Owner

View Store Page
Julie's Fine Jewelry & Gifts

Julie's Fine Jewelry & Gifts

Since 1993, our family has been operating three long-standing stores, open year-round in beautiful Ketchikan. Providing superb customer service to both our local community and the many visitors to our lovely island is not only our pleasure – it’s our legacy as well.

Recently Viewed

Sitka

Offered by 57 Peaks

Octopus High Leggings

Octopus are amazing and so intelligent! 57 Peaks Guarantee • Four-way stretch • Elastic waistband • Overlock and...

$98.00
Buy Now
Skagway
Popular

Offered by Klothes Rush

Bear Jordan Kids Alaska Tee

This kids tee is a slam dunk! Printed on a mineral-washed cotton that has a luxurious feel to it. Also available in adul...

$24.99
Buy Now
Seward

Glacier Landing and Mountain Viewing Tour

Nothing says Alaska quite like glaciers! Come experience the wonder of nature on our 30 minute glacier landing scenic flight and landing. You will travel through a spellbinding glacier filled valley on the way to your landing where you will have the opportunity to get out at the toe of the glacier, take pictures, and touch glacier ice! Your tour begins in our office where we will get you properly outfitted for your excursion. We have boots, rain jackets, and even gloves for you to borrow. After you are geared up, it’s time to talk about safety! We pride ourselves on our excellent safety record – and were featured by the Alaskan Division of OSHA for our attentiveness to detail. All our passengers learn about how to safely enter and exit our helicopters as well as the key safety features on board. We primarily fly Robinson 44 helicopters which have room for three passengers as well as a small backpack or handbag. This means that everyone gets a window seat! If you are part of a larger group, don’t worry! We have multiple helicopters on site and are experts at working with large families and tour groups. We often take large families on this excursion because it is a great opportunity for family photos and to create that one-of-a-kind Alaskan holiday card. Then, it’s time for take off. If you’ve never flown in a helicopter, you will be amazed by the smoothness of the ride. Helicopters are far more comfortable than planes and our pilots have pinpoint precision as to where they can fly. Taking off from the airport, you will fly over a beautiful braided river towards Godwin Glacier. As you fly over the bay look for otters and whales. Sometimes, we will see bears and moose in this area. Godwin glacier will astound you — but that’s not where our journey ends. You’ll get to see the toe of Godwin Glacier before we turn into a mountain valley where you will fly by 3 glaciers: Porcupine Glacier, Snake-Tongue Glacier, and Hawk’s Glacier. This beautiful valley is a great place for family photos. The helicopter will land near the base of one of these three glaciers based on weather, group size, and your preference. When the helicopter lands, our pilots or guides will help snap some photos of you as explore the toe. Pose in front of glacier ice or make a snowball and enjoy the scenic vistas in front of you. Tour Highlights: - 15 Minute Helicopter Ride Our flight to our glacier dog sledding camp takes a beautiful scenic route up Godwin Glacier. Fly over incredible blue glacier ice and by immense waterfalls. On the return trip, fly through a stunning glacier-filled valley. Fly Over Godwin Glacier and See Seward from the Air. See Snake-Tongue, Porcupine Glacier, and Hawk’s Glacier - 15 Minute Glacier Landing Land on, next to, or at the toe of a nearby glacier. Where we land depends on the time of year and the stability of the glaciers in the area.

Juneau

Offered by Annie Kaill's

Pia Reilly's "Expecting" Art Card

Pia Reilly's art cards are 5″ x 7″ on a gloss-coated stock. Envelope included. All art cards are available in an eco-fri...

$6.00
Buy Now
Juneau

Offered by Changing Tides Made In Alaska

Tall Totem Cross Stitch Design

Original Sitka Stitches design. Kit includes chart, cloth, floss, and needle. Design area is 16.5" x 4" on 14 co...

$29.99
Buy Now
Ketchikan

Offered by Julie's Fine Jewelry & Gifts

"Fishing Bear" Carving On A Soapstone by Ron Ekemo

Soapstone is much softer than granite or even marble. The talc content of soapstone gives it a rating of 1 on the Mohs h...

$240.00
Buy Now
Ketchikan

Offered by Julie's Fine Jewelry & Gifts

Silver Stag “The Guide” Damascus Blade Knife

Silver stag “The Guide” Antler handle w/damascus blade

$226.00
Buy Now
Anchorage

Offered by Raven's Sparkle

Beaded Blue Salmon Leather Abalone Earrings

Handmade by Tlingit artist, Terri Ann Bogren from Anchorage, Alaska.

$82.00
Buy Now
Haines

Offered by Catotti and Goldberg Art Studio

Denali Caribou 2"x12" original serigraph

* Handprinted Limited Edition Original 197 S/N * Size: 2"x12" image, shrink-wrapped with backing 8"x18" framed in...

$100.00
Buy Now
Subscribe

Join our newsletter

We'll send you 1x/mo updates on local Alaska and The Bahamas as well as holiday promos, available only via email

You're subscribed! Thank you for joining our newsletter.

We care about your data in our privacy policy.

Why Voyij.com

The largest selection of unique and different

Shop gifts and activities from your favorite travel destinations

Personalized service and trip planning help

From locals who live here

Shop local

Thank you for supporting small businesses!

Contact us (based in Skagway, Alaska)

Chat us

We try to be available 24/7 for our friends in other time zones

Email us

We usually respond within 24hrs

Phone us (call or text our cell)

Available Monday through Friday 9am - 5pm AKDT