Yellowknife (Oct 27/06) - While some artists work with large stone sculptures and carvings, Greg Drescher chooses to work with different materials.

Drescher is an Inuvialuit artist who was born in Tuktoyaktuk.

Greg Drescher is a traditional artist who works with many mediums. He got his start from his father six years ago and stays active by creating drums out of birch wood and jewelry from ivory. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

"I make jewelry with muskox horn, antlers and ivory," said Drescher from inside his studio.

Files, blades and finely sanded bits of antler are seen on his work bench, where most of his cutting and preparing is done.

The prize of Drescher's tool box is a piece of equipment that is rarely used in traditional arts.

"Don't tell anyone about this tool," said Drescher with a smile.

"It's not something I want everyone knowing about."

Spending time in the studio had started off as a hobby for Drescher. Six years ago, his father introduced him to the world of traditional arts.

"I was always looking for a way to get in touch with my culture," said Drescher.

"I grew up in Tuktoyakuk, but was not really around the arts then."

Now, Drescher sells his work through the Inuvialuit Corporation. He said he works exclusively through them.

"I don't normally bring my work to craft sales and things," he said.

Making jewelry is still a priority for Drescher, but these days another practical item has his attention.

"I started making drums a few years ago," he said.

He attended a traditional drum-making class held by Tuk elder Shepard Felix.

"Ever since then, I have been making these," said Drescher, hoisting a freshly oiled drum in the air.

The drums are made of birch wood, shaped in a circle by a process Drescher calls 'an industry secret'.

Once the wood has been formed and is round, a handle is placed on with strong glue.

"I use epoxy glue to fasten the handles and the connector," said Drescher.

"I find that epoxy holds better than other glues."

A sheet of nylon fabric is then stretched over the frame and held in place with lengths of string.

The nylon is oiled and stretched farther to improve the sound of the drum.

Drescher said his latest drum is for a person in town who wants to continue drumming in their home.

"I really enjoy working with the traditional art," said Drescher.

"This is knowledge I can pass on to my children and anyone else I want."

He also believes that by working with traditional items that people use, like the drums and wearing the jewelry, that one day more people will find their roots.

"It's an important aspect to finding out who we are as a people," said Drescher.