My name is Douglas Jan Burgess II, I am an Indigenous artist and educator (Haida, Dakota, Grand Ronde). My work is largely inspired by the Haida art that surrounded me growing up in Hydaburg, Alaska. My Haida name is Stlaay Sliinlaas which translates to Creative Hands.

In 2007 my family relocated to Tacoma, WA where I had my introduction to hot glass through the Hilltop Artists non profit in 2009. I went on to study at Pilchuck Glass School and the Corning Museum of Glass and learned under master glass artist Dan Friday for years. I have had the opportunity to exhibit my work in the Museum of Glass, Tacoma Art Museum, Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, Coast Salish Museum of Fine Arts, and Pilchuck Glass School. My work pays homage to my culture’s traditional practices in a contemporary format and explores themes of reflection and intergenerational trauma.

In 2021 I returned to Hilltop Artists full circle as an instructor where I work full time teaching middle schoolers fostering teamwork, perseverance, and building confidence through working with hot glass. I intend to have another full circle moment and eventually return to my homeland. Here I will establish a cultural/healing center to inspire the youth and help my people find peace and self sustainability by counteracting generations of trauma that we have been forced to endure.

My mother has always been one of my biggest inspirations. I grew up seeing her practice and master her craft in traditional Haida weaving so to get the opportunity to collaborate with her is an honor, especially across generations and mediums. Our collaborations come about organically and it’s difficult to pinpoint what sparks our inspiration.

Art is reflection and reflection is healing. Over the last few years I have found myself reflecting on my history and our history in this country. The trauma and suffering us as native people in this country and all around the world because of this empire have been forced to endure and how that trauma still reverberates through generations. The work we do now, for ourselves and our communities will also reverberate through generations. I know I am planting seeds in a garden I may not get to harvest.

I usually only explore 1 or 2 new works a year. I get inspired to create when I have something to say. Social commentary is vital, artists are a reflection of the times we live in. My capacity and awareness of myself and my surroundings keep my creative practice moving forward.

This award has impacted me immensely. I am an artist, educator and community advocate. I believe in strengthening community and promoting sustainability through access to art and ancestral knowledge and receiving the fellowship award reminded me that I am supported in my mission.

Artist Trust can continue to support Washington artists by sending out newsletters with available funding and grant applications.