Inupiaq artist Sheldon “Qautaaq” Bogenrife was born in the northern village of Wainright and grew up in many different communities across Alaska. Sheldon was inspired by his Grandfather Samuel Driggs who made baleen boats for a living. He is self taught in the art of baleen basketry and got pointers from baleen basket weaving masters Elaine Frankson from Point Hope and Greg Tagarook from Wainright. Sheldon is a full time artist he has been making his intricate baleen baskets for over 15 years. He has demonstrated and exhibited his work at the Heard and Anchorage Museum of History and Art and his work can be found in numerous private and corporate collections across the nation. Sheldon currently lives and works in Anchorage and plans on passing on this tradition to his daughter Shelly.