Travis Erickson
Sacred Pipe Carver
Pipestone, Minnesota
Travis is a fourth generation self-taught artist who learned his basic techniques from his mother and male elders. His great Grandfather, Moses Crow settled in the Pipestone area around 1927 to work the pipestone quarries and carve the pipestone rock.
“My grandmother always told us, ‘When you go into those quarries, make sure you go in with a good heart. Because your stone will turn out the same way, in a good way.’ ”
Travis is currently a cultural demonstration for the Pipestone Indian Shrine Association. He specializes in eagle head effigy pipes and swirled sumac stems. His artwork is showcased at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C. as well as many other places.
He is a member of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Dakota Nation. He is a founder and spiritual advisor of the Keepers of the Sacred Tradition of Pipemakers and an honorary advisor to the Pipestone Indian Shrine Board of Directors.
Tattooed on his right forearm is a totem of his spirit guide, a bear, and on his right hand, bear claws. Over the years, he has had them re-inked as they faded from the rough work in all kinds of weather. For Erickson, these tattoos signify his strength and stubbornness.
“I resonate with Bear — you never see a herd of bears, they are always by themselves…” he said. “I like to be down here by myself and do all the quarrying and it’s always been like that for me. This is my church here.”
