I wanted to share some inside details as to what makes a “Jacobson“ a “Jacobson“ with regard to my creative process and practice as an Anishanabe artist. First of all, an open and clear mind sets the stage for better decision making and capacity for “in the moment” focus. This is the birthing place for me as an artist. Life has all kinds of distractions, situations, circumstances and problems along with the various issues we encounter along the journey with regard to people, places and events.
For me, that outside noise can be very distracting and so I need space to create. Psychic space is vital for freedom and quietness of mind, where the illumination of imagination rests. I prepare myself each and every time I create. I have my studio functioning in a manner that facilitates creative stimulation. A playful energy of excitement, joy, interest, focus and action. The way in how I maintain this environment is quite important to consistently “getting it right the first time” with my designs, the images, these blueprints of composition and technique in the art I create.
Giving thanks each day is vital to maintaining a healthy attitude in today’s climate. I smudge and pray quite often and will use these ceremonies throughout a series of paintings that I’m working on. I use sage, sweet grass, cedar and tobacco to stay in the flow. I also do spring equinox and fall equinox ceremonies each year called “feasting the spirits” or a spirit feast. I do this to give thanks to the Creator, Mother Earth and all life force, creation. I do this to also give thanks to the ancestors. All those before us. To be mindful and appreciative of these things is a beautiful characteristic in ones Arsenal on living a human life on our Mother Earth.
Life is a circle and what goes around comes around as they say. People before us have done these things and I find it to be important actions that one can experience to a deeper and more fruitful connection to the spirit of life, to all creation. Remember that for artists, consistency and playfulness are important elements in a creative life. Art should be what ever it wants to be in that sacred place of discovery and opportunity.
In these particular realms is where I garner the best quality of energy for me to maintain what it takes to finish off either a painting or a series of paintings. The less distractions for me, the better. As we know life is ripe with all sorts of temptations and side tracks. Focus daily in the direction of our art and making it is vital to a healthy creative lifestyle.
Along with some ceremony to get in the flow, I listen to all sorts of music as well. Music is also a great facilitator of creative energy. Most of my work is done on my own, except for the times involved where I’ve had people apprentice with me during cycles of paintings and such. So with the amount of time to ones self, being comfortable in your own skin is a necessary skill in your creative portfolio. Art demands attention, it demands your time and focus.
I have all sorts of other people’s artworks surrounding me in the studio as well. I collect First Nations art myself. I love our artforms across the country from coast to coast to coast. I have several pieces and find such a depth and quality in being a collector as well. Art heals and for me it is a true gift to be an artist and also one who enjoys the art of others as much as making it.
Any how, this is a general outline of how I do what I do. Art is about relationships and in nature spirit is where I truly get to be “in tune” with the true depth and knowledge of these teachings. Mother Earth is my teacher in so many ways, it leaves me speechless. So I have to go out and make a painting of what I saw, of what I experienced. This is another reason why so many people resonate with my art. It speaks...
All my relations....MAJ
