Robert K. Mills
he/him Visual Artist Kake, Alaska
About The Artist
Robert K. Mills is a Tlingit artist of the Tsaagweidi clan from Kake, Alaska. Working in metal, paint and wood, Mills’ art is deeply rooted in the traditions of his ancestors and pioneering new expressions for future generations. Shaped by the land and waters of Lingit Aani, his works speaks to the complexities of colliding worldviews and explores the resilience and depth of Tlingit life. For over a decade, he has traveled to the Northwest Coast and learned from master Indigenous artists from the Haida Gwaii to Ketchikan and Sitka while independently funding his artistic journey through year sin commercial fisheries. His dedication has resulted in works acquired by museums, other institutions and private collectors across the U.S. and Canada.His sculptures, jewelry and paintings have received recognition for their craftsmanship and cultural significance, and he’s earned awards that highlight his contributions to contemporary Indigenous art. Whether shaping metal into intricate structures that carry spiritual energy, carving a totem pole that testifies to historical truths or carving a mask that captures the fierce resilience of the natural world, he approaches each piece with a deep sense of purpose. His art continues to explore Tlingit life and captures the subtle details that have allowed his people to thrive since time immemorial. Through his work, Mills hopes to share the beauty of Tlingit thought and tradition, offering a visual language that connects past, present and future.
About The Work
My practice naturally intersects with history, environmental science and technology. Understanding the land and its resources is crucial to selecting and preparing materials, while digital tools help refine designs and expand possibilities. Additionally, my work engages in cultural storytelling, anthropology and education — bridging art with broader conversations on identity, sustainability and Indigenous knowledge systems.
Robert K. Mills, Yaadachóon, 2023. Aluminum, 21 x 4 feet. Photo courtesy of the artist.
Robert K. Mills, L’eeneidí Totem Pole, 2023. Red cedar, 28 x 384 x 4 feet. Photo courtesy of the artist.
