About the Artist
Tlingit Formline Artist: Reimagining Ancient Design
Wéidaaká Yóodóohaa (Bill Pfeifer, Jr) is a Tlingit formline artist from Southeast Alaska, now based in Washington. His work, which he calls “Formline Evolved,” is a dynamic fusion of traditional Formline principles with a modern, graphic sensibility.
Taught the basics of Formline design by his father, also an artist, Wéidaaká Yóodóohaa’s training was further honed under the privilege of studying with renowned Tlingit master carver Nathan Jackson.
While his process often begins with digital tools like Fresco and Illustrator, Wéidaaká Yóodóohaa is a Tlingit formline artist and multi-disciplinary creator who brings his designs to life across various media, including original acrylic paintings on canvas and hand-painted works on Pacific Northwest Red Cedar.
Today, as a Tlingit formline artist, his mission is to share this powerful art form with a wider audience. He not only sells his work but also teaches the foundational principles of the craft, offering Formline painting classes in the Seattle area.