Eric Otter Bacon, Passamaquoddy, is a woodworker, leatherworker, jewelry-maker, and basket maker.

As a young child, his mother mentioned that he constantly created hand-drawn copies of sneakers and boots, particularly focusing on the tread patterns. Woodworking and basket making soon followed at around age five or so, influenced by several family members, including his maternal grandfather, a Grand Lake wood strip canoe builder; his father, a wood and bone/antler carver; and his uncle, who steam-bent wood into dog sleds. He was also inspired by many basket makers on the reservation. 

At the age of 16, he started working with Loyd Owle, a renowned Cherokee artist, at the Unity Youth Treatment Center in North Carolina. He learned leatherwork, stone carving, and other Native arts. While receiving treatment there, he discovered the value of life, and it was where his first pieces of Native art were sold.

In 2004, he started making baskets professionally. During his first decade, Eric began participating in and winning art competitions at various Native art markets. Eric’s work was also featured in the collections of major museums across the country. During this period, he collaborated closely with birch bark canoe builders David Moses Bridges, Passamaquoddy, and Steve Cayard, constructing five different bark canoes with various Native communities to acquire and exchange knowledge of traditional canoe construction and material gathering/preparation.

In the future, he wants to continue sharing and teaching the traditional arts knowledge he has gained. Eric’s goal is to inspire others to find value and hope within themselves so they have the tools to lead a positive and meaningful life.