BUSINESS: Kdax̂ by Rose
FIND ME ON: Instagram – @kdaxbyrose Facebook – kdaxbyrose
TRIBE/HOMETOWN: King Cove
For King Cove’s Rose Pletnikoff, her jewelry side business is a labor of love. At Kdax̂ by Rose, she sells custom-designed earrings that are inspired by the bentwood visor she created at culture camp.
“It’s a very unique design,” she said of the visor. “I incorporate fish-skin leather and beads into my pieces. I’ve tried hard to make my art meaningful and connected to our people and culture, and using that unique design is just one of the ways I’m able to do that.”
Rose said her jewelry design and enjoyment of other art comes from her Unangax̂ culture and growing up in King Cove. She started oil painting when she was in high school, taking cues from Bob Ross on television and using her dad’s old paint supplies. Her grandmother taught her how to sew, and even helped her make her first quilt. It’s a skill that has stayed with her over the years – since that quilt, she’s always had a sewing machine.
During quarantine, Rose took up oil painting again and also started sewing masks. At the time, she was living in Kodiak, and the island community faced a major mask shortage.
“It was great to help people out in that way,” she said, reflecting on the months in 2020 spent making countless cloth masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. “I started sewing headbands after making the masks, and even dabbled in beadwork, which is how I came to start creating earrings.”
Rose credits a couple of artist friends who saw her beadwork with giving her the idea for her business. They encouraged her to keep practicing her beadwork and suggested she consider selling it. Her business took flight from there.
Art is nothing without inspiration, and Rose draws her inspiration from her culture.
“Right before the pandemic started, I was working at the Alutiiq Museum in Kodiak, and seeing all of the cultural artifacts and fabrics and designs and history up close and personal every day was incredible,” she recalled. “I really believe it’s important to get our Unangax̂ culture and heritage out there for people to see and understand. That representation really matters, and I’m glad I can contribute to it.”
In addition to growing up in King Cove and going to culture camps, Rose has also been a part of the Aleut Dancers group that has performed multiple times at AFN. All of that cultural connection has been deeply meaningful, helping inform her identity and art, and the continuing evolution of both.
“My art and earring designs are a real outlet for me – It’s personally fulfilling and satisfying to do something like this,” she said. “I hope my art work serves as an inspiration for other up-and-coming artists to get creative, and take up healthy activities!”