Who Is Fred Fulmer?

My name is Fred Fulmer, a Tlingit Alaska Native artist and carver based in Everett, Washington. Rooted in the ancient artistic traditions of the Tlingit people of Southeast Alaska, my work carries the stories, clan crests, and spiritual heritage of my ancestors — carved into every totem pole, mask, and drum I create.

My Journey

Carving is a big part of my journey and connects me to the Tlingit culture, I was drawn to the formline art tradition — the bold, flowing lines and deeply symbolic imagery that have defined Northwest Coast Indigenous art for thousands of years. Over decades of dedicated practice, I developed my skill level into a artistic calling, creating hand-carved totem poles, replicas, masks, and painted formline drums along the way. 

Each piece I create begins with a deep respect for the cultural stories it represents. Whether carving a Raven, Eagle, Killer Whale, or Devilfish clan crest, I understand the traditional meaning behind every figure before the first cut is made. The result is art that is not only visually powerful but culturally authentic representing my Tlingit heritage.

The Craft -One of a Kind Art

I work in red and yellow cedar, alder among other traditional woods of Northwest Coast carving — as well as bronze casting for replica pieces finished in bronze or emerald patina. My totem pole replicas range from tabletop collectibles to large-scale statement pieces, each hand-carved and finished to the best quality I can do.

My painted formline drums are crafted on traditional hide drum frames and hand-painted with authentic Tlingit formline designs — Hummingbirds, Wolves, Killer Whales, Frogs, and Eagles among them. No two pieces are identical. Each piece is a One of a Kind!

Recognition & Credentials

My work has been recognized at the highest levels of Indigenous art scholarship and cultural preservation. I have had the honor of serving as an invited artist-in-residence at the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture at the University of Washington in Seattle on multiple occasions — one of the most prestigious Indigenous art institutions in the Pacific Northwest.

Ruth-Ann Thorn was featured in Native American Art Magazine, in the August/September 2022 issue, a picture of me next to journalist Ruth-Ann Thorn of Indian Country, who visited my studio in Everett to document my work and my 16-foot totem pole. My pieces have been collected by art enthusiasts, and collectors across the United States.

My Mission

The Tlingit artistic tradition is one of the most sophisticated and visually complex Indigenous art forms in the world. It is my life's mission to keep these traditions alive as a Cultural bearer and a Elder of the Xuna/Hoonah Tlingit. Passing our culture on to the next generation is a lofty and memorable goal.

Through my  blogs at fredfulmernativeart.com, I share my stories and experience of my journey, which include clan histories, and artistic traditions behind each piece I create. I believe that when a collector brings one of my works into their home, they are not just acquiring art — they are becoming a steward of Tlingit cultural heritage.

Explore the Collection

I invite you to browse my collection of hand-carved totem poles, masks, and formline drums — each one a unique expression of Tlingit artistry and cultural storytelling. If you have questions about a specific piece, its cultural significance, or commissioning custom work, I welcome you to reach out directly.

Saat-Kaa Fred Fulmer