This essay was written in conjunction with Athena LaTocha: Curated by Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, on view at CUE November 7 - December 19, 2015. 

Athena LaTocha speaks about growing up in Alaska and her relationships with the land, the people and her family.  While many artists may downplay their beginnings, it became clear this was an important primer for the language LaTocha would come to use in her creative process.