Guess who wants their name (and their reputation) back?

As part of my ongoing investigation of pop culture influences on the ‘halfbreed’ trope that I grew up with, I’ve been spending time with western novels from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. I’m applying counter mapping principles to support or challenge the narrative of the ‘halfbreed’ hero in the illustration. These beaded and stitched paths are my commentary. Counter mapping has been used to indicate traditional territory and to ‘counter’ political boundaries. In this case I want to challenge the boundaries that crop up when stereotypes are perpetuated through illustrations like these. This piece is an enlarged back cover of Comanch an old western novel printed on rag paper beaded with number 10 beads and sewn to a linen backing. It is offered for sale on my website where you can find more details and similar works.

Solo show opening April 12 - INJUN-uity or Growing up Pop

I have been working on this project for several years, researching cowboys and indians pop culture from the '50s, '60's and 70's. My investigation included everything from the Calgary Stampede to comic books, to watching old western movies. This work sits at the intersection between the stereotypes and idealisms presented and fact vs fantasy of family life growing up in the 70's. I will be talking about the work at 7pm, at Two Rivers Gallery - 725 Games Way in Prince George, BC

This = That

I spent the morning getting very wet. I am working with an Elk hide to clean and use it for my art practice. I learned how to tan hides the Native way in 2000 and I continue to practice it. There are many people out there who hunt for meat and some of them bring me the hides for my own use. Many of the parts on a wild ungulate are useful; parts that when made into tools, rawhide or leather will last for generations. When these objects finally wear out they will return to the earth to nourish it in a complete circle of life. So if these old practices are good for the earth, why don't we do them anymore? Are we afraid to get our hands dirty? It is definitely easier to just buy the finished product - but I think purchasing it rather than making it prevents us from:

1) appreciating the labour that goes into making an object 2) realizing the consequences of our purchase on the earth 3) treating the object responsibly, ie: repairing it when it is broken rather than just buying another one.

I believe when we are removed from the labour of making an object, we are not aware of its true cost as retail cost is only represented in dollar signs and numbers and not in the process of making. Forgotten are the physical pain, process and sacrifice required for us to 'have' that object. We also don't associate the finished product with its origin. Some things should not be made from the materials that they are, materials and processes that hurt our environment and our people. Finding our way back to living with a smaller footprint will take practice and sacrifice, but it will be well worth it.

Take an object in your house and collage a 'this = that' photo. I guarantee it will be interesting.

The end is near - goodbye beautiful Banff studio

Leaving is bitter-sweet. I am happy with what I accomplished. Thank you to all those who make the Banff Centre the special place that it is.