Christy Ruby is an innovative fur fashion designer, using traditional tribal methods and resources to create handmade goods. See more of her work by visiting her website.
“Eagle Equality” white and black sea otter scarf, 52″ x 4″, First place winner at Santa Fe Indian Market. Photo credit: Kilii Yuyan
I’m an Alaskan Native Tlingit from Ketchikan. I harvest our traditional animals, seal and sea otter for meat and fur fashion. My works of art have won many awards and a few pieces have been bought by museums. This career is not an easy venture. It is filled with a lot of setbacks, hurdles and controversy. But I’m not a quitter.
Tlingit artist Christy Ruby works on a sea otter scarf on her vintage fur sewing machine in her studio in Ketchikan, Alaska.
In my previous careers, I’ve sculpted coins for a private mint, and have been a profitable commercial/graphic artist for 37 years.
Work in progress on Eagle Equality scarf
I started hunting seal often to provide food and tanned skins for elders. Later I made some friends who taught me how to harvest sea otters. I know they are super cute, but they are really overpopulating Southeast Alaska. The traditional foods we rely on are in jeopardy due to their insatiable appetites.
White deer and seal baby slippers, handmade by Christy Ruby
The government federally monitors seals and sea otters. Only Alaskan Natives can harvest them. They must be made into a handicraft before they can be purchase by anyone in the United States.
Seal and deer mittens lined with sheepskin and sea otter. Shown in use on a winter bison hunt on a snow machine.
Our rainforest ancestors depended on the waterproof seal and dense warmth of sea otter for durable clothing. This clothing is still worn today, but it is becoming a lost tradition. Tanneries are closing due to high inflation costs on supplies, loss of experience, and negative public opinion. This is breaking my heart and those of other Alaskan Natives who depend on apparel sales to compensate for the high costs of living remote.
Sea otter vest trimmed in fox, first place award winner at the Santa Fe Indian Market.
Working with all the textures, lengths, and colors of furs can be challenging when trying to mix and match. Some animal furs always look alike. Then there is that unique color you plan something special for, that one of a kind piece.
Christy Ruby, Tlingit hunter and fashion designer, in her studio in Ketchikan, Alaska.
Know that when you are gifted the richest fur in the world, the hunter, tanner, and artist have put a lot of time into creating a work of art.
Sealskin and sea otter purse adorned with a sea star beadwork.
I was asked, “Why am I still doing this if it is so difficult?” The fans of my work encourage me with such caring words and support. I just have to keep it going, no matter how hard it gets.
Christy Ruby invites you to follow her on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
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