A spiritual message from the studio here @ Jacobson native art (Confirmation of my Indian status and 60’s scoop)

 

Artist: Beau Dick. Title of mask: Dzunukwa - four way transformation 

It is true what many have said throughout history that you cannot have one without the other. This is the very nature of spirituality and indeed the experiences of life itself. Both the light and the shadow have their teachings and for many of us these experiences can be both exciting and difficult, even tragic. Self can get in the way as we so often see through a multitude of processes within the mind, body, heart and soul. It isn’t easy going through life without a spiritual connection. My experience has been that the very nature of our Creator can be challenging to navigate. The will wants what it wants and most of the time causes us much pain and suffering. We tend to forget that while going through our difficulties that there is light at the end of the tunnel. 

Change is not always a welcomed process. But it does bring with it a better awareness and understanding of who we are and the world around us. I learned a long time ago that it is wise to get comfortable with pain and suffering. It comes in waves and at other times it vanishes into thin air allowing us to fulfill our greatest wishes, dreams and desires. Life is exactly that and I am grateful that I don’t fear the darkness. I have found much truth and light by walking through these experiences and coming through to the other side. 

For the record here is confirmation of my “Indian status and being a 60’s scoop”

The road of life for me has been a very difficult and challenging one and I’ve had to walk through so much pain and suffering that in the greater reality of things, most don’t ever make it. I’m 51 years old and I’ve been sober from alcohol and hard drug abuse for over 26 years now. I don’t take any prescription medications and have been freed from that for over 31 years. I feel like my life is a true living miracle. I’ve been focused on my healing and recovery for a really long time. I’ve spent thousands of hours being of service to those who suffer. I still to this very day carry my message of experience, strength and hope. I’ve seen many of my friends who struggled with these experiences end up dead. Their families devastated. The disease of addiction and alcoholism is no respecter of persons. It doesn’t care how educated you are, it doesn’t care what you know, what you’ve been through or how intelligent one may be.  I take life one day at a time. That’s all I can give, that’s all I can do and I’m totally ok with that. 

Today life for me is a beautiful blessing. All of it. The light, the dark, the ups and the downs and everything in between.  I don’t always know what the next moves will be and I still make a few mistakes but I always correct them. Sometimes people who come into my life are not the right fit. They get themselves in the way with their own bullshit, usually. I can also be quite ruthless as well and have a bit of an edge that keeps me on guard and ready for whatever comes next. I’ll never take shit from anyone. If you fuck around? You’ll find out. That’s life. It ain’t always fair but I try to do my best each and every day. 

The quality of life is radically different than where I came from. I live an honest life and I apply these principles to all areas of my knowledge and experiences. I don’t lie and I don’t try to manipulate anyone who crosses my path. What you see is what you get and if it works out regarding new friendships and relationships? I’m as loyal as they come. I’m not interested in people pleasing but I’ll walk with just about anyone who needs guidance, direction and support. It’s the way Creator teaches me. To be true to myself and my values. To be authentic and genuine. Regardless of how others may view me I don’t really care much for opinions and falsehoods. If your in my circle and your still here? Then you’ve made it. You too are the genuine article. With that I just wanted to share these thoughts and experiences and to help clarify any doubts about what others may say or not even know about me. I wish many of you all the best as we continue to trudge the road of a happy destiny. All my relations and more to come so stay tuned...

Rainbow Thunderbird - MAJ 🌈🦅🌈

Here’s a few photos of the outdoor art studio....deep in the Kootenay’s

 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. 

A table to paint on, a place to create. I use easels as well but when doing my finishing processes and touches, I prefer a flatter surface 9n which to navigate those lines and details. So, there you have it, a soft walk through the space and what I’m beginning to envision while being here in this art community deep in the Kootenay mountains. Here’s to another beautiful day of life upon our Mother Earth. All my relations...MAJ

Found myself chasing rainbows in the sun!

A beautiful ride today in these spectacular mountains. I am feeling blessed and happy about life these days. I’m so grateful for my lifestyle and the connection I have to the spirit of our Mother Earth. I love exploring the majesty of nature spirit and the animal life upon her. I come across grizzlies, brown bears, black bears, a couple cougars now, eagles, hawks, deer, elk and all sorts of bird species throughout here. 

I recently put out another “spirit feast” for this next yearly cycle of life existence. I go out to these mountains and bring medicines, tobacco offerings, spirit food and I sing to the spirit of Mother Earth. I offer these blessings to the ancestors and give thanks to the Creator. I think of those in our world that are struggling and that are suffering and I think and pray for them and their loved ones. It is good medicine to do so. 

Others have done this for me and it is a responsibility to carry on these teachings. My family is strong with regard to our cultural ways. I am blessed in this manner and feel honoured with such good teachers in my family bloodline. Being Anishanabe is so beautiful. I am proud of who I am and proud of my heritage. It is a profound experience to be so connected to who I am. Decolonization is a reality that seemed so far out of reach until I took action to change the path. I am a sovereign. My sovereignty as Anishanabe is perhaps the greatest truth I’ve ever known...it’s like finding your wings. 

All my relations...MAJ