This first photo here is all custom built and designed. By a wonderful father and son combination here in the Kootenay’s. This community has welcomed us with open arms and we feel honoured that we have the privilege and respect to share the art form and the cultural teachings with all who come.
Here’s another view upon entering the grounds of the art studio. You’ll see us getting our winter wood ready as well as that is a bigtime must for those of us living in the mountains. The pace of daily life out here is all dependent on how you choose to embrace all 4 seasons. Preparation is a huge asset in one’s character out here, that’s for sure.
This 3rd photo brings in a cool perspective of what’s going on here as well. Giving people the opportunity to become a part of the circle in my cultural practices along with the spirit of creativity and that powerful energy. To be all inclusive and to always remain welcoming are fundamental teachings to us Anishanabe that go way way back, much before settler contact. These are the old teachings that still must be practiced daily, even under pressure and difficulty.
Here is a scared space created where visitors to the studio can smudge, can pray and meditate. They can come and sing their songs here too. All are welcome. The ancestors desire for our ways to be shared. We are the spirit of these ways of the land and of the waters. Our culture is filled with such richness and depth. We have a saying called: All my relations that means exactly what it says. I believe 9n this with all my heart and soul.
Here’s an art sculpture I built on a meditation I had here while developing this outdoor studio concept. The whole theme is like having a sacred amulet of well-beingness and protection. The spirit loves pretty things. Colour and magic is everywhere...all my relations.
The sacredness of the eagle staff is of major importance and has major significance for us First Nations. It is a symbol of strength, governance and empowerment that entails a spirit of sovereignty and dignity and pride that is quite distinguishing in our spirit world and understandings. The eagle staff has been with our people’s for tens of thousands of years. Thus coming before any flag either Canadian or American. These are old school teachings that come with those who carry the staffs. All my relations.
Some of my limited edition prints I have available at the studio. They all come with the title and story to each piece as well. A wonderful edition for with the new or seasoned art collector. All my relations.
A place for the opportunity to receive signed and personally autographed copies of my award winning children’s book: Ojibway clans - animal totems and spirits. Along with personally hand picked art cards being shown as the wonderful forms of art each card is. Along with a Jacobson original hanging on the wall. Along with my own fabric being laid on that very wall...
Here’s a wall shot inside the studio space. Always a reminder with this Norval Morrisseau piece to be very very careful when playing with snakes. Obsessions are dangerous but people can be even deadlier. I hang this Morrisseau as a reminder to be very wise in whom comes to my inner circle. After the experience with the movie there are no fakes, I learned a great deal about how shallow human beings really are. The chest plate made out of bullets is a reminder that I am a true warrior for my people, for all people.
