Native American Artist Adorns Labubus with Classic Chilkat Weaving Patterns

**Lily Hope: Enhancing Chilkat Weaving with a Modern Flair**

Lily Hope, an esteemed artist situated in Juneau, Alaska, is garnering attention in the art community with her modern take on Chilkat weaving—a historic craft of the Indigenous peoples of the Northwest Coast. With a heritage embedded in her maternal side, Hope has been significantly inspired by her late mother, Clarissa Rizal, who imparted her knowledge of the complex art form during her teenage years. Over ten years of apprenticeship, Hope polished her abilities and embraced her cultural roots, eventually co-teaching and collaborating on substantial projects with her mother until her death.

Hope’s artistic path is marked by her employment of traditional weaving materials like wool and cedar. By gathering yellow cedar bark and processing mountain goat hair, she thigh-spins these materials with wool to produce warp, an essential component in her works. As a single mother of five, Hope navigates her responsibilities between parenting and weaving, frequently delegating the arduous work of spinning to fellow artists to enhance her efficiency.

Fueled by an unwavering love for her craft, Hope consistently explores new techniques and nurtures a lively community centered around weaving. Her deep commitment is reflected in a personal saying—“I do it for the cookies”—which signifies her dedication to community health through the sharing of knowledge and collective creation.

Recently, Hope has delved into a new artistic realm influenced by Labubus—the trendy accessory phenomenon captivating her children. After watching videos of Labubus clad in traditional attire, she started fabricating miniature garments, blending her Chilkat weaving skills with modern toy fashion. This exploration illustrates Hope’s aspiration for her creations to achieve the recognition of globally renowned textiles, stirring curiosity about the cultural roots and craftsmanship behind each item.

Hope is also broadening her artistry through teaching ventures, providing workshops in Juneau and online to instruct others on crafting woven accessories for Labubus. These workshops aim to honor the visual beauty of Chilkat designs while enhancing public understanding of their importance as both ceremonial items and innovative fine art.

In essence, Hope envisions her work—and that of her peers—as a connection linking age-old tradition with contemporary expression. Through her artistry, she hopes to motivate a worldwide audience to value and safeguard the intricate stories embedded in every thread of Chilkat designs. Her contributions persist in transforming Indigenous art, ensuring its vibrancy and significance for future generations.

**Follow Lily Hope**: [Website](https://www.lilyhope.com/) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/lilyhopeweaver/)

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*Quotes have been edited for length and clarity. Photos by Lily Hope granted permission by My Modern Met.*