First, I thank Christ Jesus for his Word and placing me in God’s grace. I may be selfish for what you are about to read, but I am strongly urged in my heart and mind, for people to understand that I am NOT rich. For the benefit of future generations, and just as my father did, I only take the immediate needs for my family. I do not own a house, a vehicle, an ATV, a boat, a motor, nor anything of value a bank would use for collateral. We are not on food stamp nor public assistance of any short, not even state-chartered help. But we use the food bank when times are tough, I am just like everyone else trying to survive.
I was in an avalanche as a teenager in Tununak, I was in a plane crash, car crash twice, almost fell over a cliff, and rode incredible odds of surviving huge stormy waves in Mekoryuk. I also survived from alcohol use. For we never know what is around the corner every day. I get help from friends who gave me some meat and fish before. I turn off electricity when not in use. I conserve water use and collect rainwater. I re-use useful plastic containers, plastic bags, and foam from meat packaging.
The only thing different is that I am a famous artist in the Yukon-Kuskokwim delta and working hard to make ends meet. You can quote me saying “I am all fame with no fortune,” and purposely so. I live in a modern subsistence lifestyle in my own making. I believe in “If I do not work, I do not eat.” All my products are competitive and priced enough to cover a small income, so we can eat, pay the rent, and the ridiculous bills. My business online is “Take only what you need and leave the lands and waters as you found them.” Because everything I do impacts nature around me.
I have had help in the past from my friend Karen Jerry after my accident, daughter Kayleen Oscar with groceries sometimes, and today my son Jeremy Oscar whom I am very grateful for. I say thank you from the bottom of my heart. May God Bless you all in everything you do.
I refurbished a house in Tununak my father built, Joseph Oscar, Sr., but gave it away to my brother, David Oscar who raised his family since 2008. I never charged him one penny. When we lived in Tununak, I had the late Charlie Post, the late Joseph Inakak and Boso Hooper carve with me making jewelry. When I had money, I also helped several folks in Mekoryuk in producing the artwork from 2004-2006. Many of you already own the artwork they produced. I can repeat this endeavor in Bethel, but no facility or finances to begin my dream once again before I leave this world. For I am nothing without God on my side. When we die, we shall account for everything we did on this planet.
So, if you have it in your heart, buy something online, because it goes to a good use. My daughter Caroline Oscar has also helped me in designing artwork and has become familiar with my work and designing online. Because when I die, she will be able to care for her babies with her own designs. As God as my witness, I am not selfishly pocketing money; I live a modern-subsistence life.
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