Israel Shotridge, one of Alaska's finest Tlingit carvers, was born and raised in SE Alaska in the heart of the Tongass National Forest which was named after his tribal ancestors the Tongass Tribe (Taantakwaan). Israel is a member of the Bear Clan, which in Tlingit is written "Teikweidee." Israel's Tlingit name, Kinstaadaal, means "the bear that's standing up."

Israel was presented with the title of Master in the Arts of Carving and Engraving by the Alaska State Council on the Arts. One of Israel's most noted awards was the Native Artist Fellowship award in 1992 from the Alaska State Council on the Arts. Each year, this highly respected fellowship is presented to only one Native artist in the state of Alaska.

During the past 20 years, Israel has completed many significant works of art. Most noted are the many replicated monumental totem poles located throughout Southeast Alaska in Totem Bight National State Park, Klawock, Alaska's Totem Park, Saxman, Alaska's Totem Park, and downtown Ketchikan. The most significant of these totems is the 55-foot tall Chief Johnson totem pole which Israel replicated in 1989 (seen below).

As a commission artist, Israel's totem poles, relief panels, masks, canoes, bentwood boxes, and artifact replicas reside in museums, airports, public, corporate and private collections throughout the U.S. and Europe. As a highly skilled Native engraver, Israel has created beautiful and finely detailed gold and silver pendants, bracelets and rings, which he now creates only on a limited basis.