Individual Artist Project Grant FY21

I think for many Native American communities, artistic expression is a matter of cultural survival. With Grand Portage having the most impact of the six reservation in Minnesota from colonization and coercive assimilation policies, much of the community is at a significant lost in terms of cultural identity. I hope my work will inspire all people that the Ojibway culture is still alive. I hope that people understand the importance of art and that stories of history and culture can be visually told through art. One of the fist and foremost accomplishments I think any artist can do with their art, has be in the value of expressing love to one's self. I believe my art is a continually act and expression of self love. Art is healing for me and my community. The loss of culture for Native People is generational. Many native people don't even know why there is internalized oppression on the reservation and why the alcohol and drug addiction rate is so high. Science, education and history tells us that all Native People suffer from inter-generational trauma due to the loss of culture and disconnection to their environment. As a surviving addict, I use my art to express my emotions in healthy way. I hope to inspire younger people that there is another way of life and that there is healthy way express your emotions. Hope this art project helps to teach non-native people that native people are still here and that their culture is alive. I'm confident I can complete this project because Ive had it in mind for sometime. I actually drew out the working sketch two years ago and have more then enough wood on hand to complete the Job. Most of my projects to date have been out of pocket projects, meaning I haven't had any out side funding throughout the process of completing them. The reason I do art isn't for the money, it is for the love of creating something meaningful, telling a story and sharing with family, friends and community. I plan on doing this project with or with outside funding, it would just take me longer to complete with out any help. Also, I am place where my life where a career in art could actually be a real possibility. So I am self motivated in becoming a professional artist, I want to be able to make a living doing what I love. Also, I have great deal of encouragement from family and friends that inspire me in being successful. I think I'll know if my work is successful when it finds a home. I'll know if my work is successful by possibly getting another publication to showcase my work in another magazine. I'll know if my work is successful if i have younger person commenting to me that my art helped to inspire them in to expressing themselves a healthy way. I'll know if my work is successful by getting more commissions.