My kinship with indigenous
forms, processes and viewpoint (a path I choose when I create art),
helps me to clarify and confront the strong culturally implanted needs
from our complex, technological, market-driven society. The forms of
masks and totems, the processes of the "quest," the ideas about the
universe - the medicine wheel, the humor about tricksters and creation,
the coyote and the raven: All of these components allow me to explore
my personal issues, as well as planetary ones, when I make art.
Even
today, many people believe that the mission of an artist is to
accurately portray reality (often only the "pretty" or acceptable parts
of reality) as defined by others. . . the viewer, the critic, the
legislator and so on. Fortunately, many artists resist being
other-directed and portray their own "artist's" reality. I find my
artistic truths by using indigenous viewpoints and ways as a part and
base of much of my work. I am not a Native Person. I am simply one who
struggles like everyone else in figuring out my place in this cosmos. I
find the honesty and inherent respectfulness of Native Peoples' ways a
powerful and meaningful tool as I consider this " great mystery."
For me, it all happens at the moment art is being
made. It also happens when the art is being shared. A universe of
possibilities has been whittled down to a single piece. It is then I
discover that mysterious and sacred place inside of me. It is
impossible to ignore those moments, and it is in this contact with the
source of all art that I am nourished.
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