Project Direction
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Creative Direction
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Project Management
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Illustration
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Production
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Painting
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Mock Up Design
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Project Direction • Creative Direction • Project Management • Illustration • Production • Painting • Mock Up Design •
The
Ask
In 2021 Us Si Creative approached me with a proposal to produce a mural exploring my relationship with water as an Indigenous person. The mural is at Springboard for the Arts at their new location in St. Paul, MN. The goal of this project was two-fold. First, to draw attention to Springboard's sustainable efforts of gathering rainwater from their roof to the storage tank which would supply the water for their green space housing Minnesota native plants. Second, to pay respect to the Dakota and Ojibwe tribes of present-day Minnesota, the original stewards of the land.
The
Solve
I explored my personal relationship with water and the intersectionality of Native culture and sustainability. Having spent the first 21 years of my life next to the great lakes, I feel a sense of belonging and direction while near them. In Native culture, we believe everything is connected. Water is no exception. Whether it be above or below-ground, water systems are connected and provide life for everything we see and experience. Similarly, the Dakota and Ojibwe people are entwined. Over time, especially more recently we have appreciated and traded art with one another and created a beautiful blend of our cultures. Likewise, I wanted this represented in the mural; how we are still very different but celebrate each other.
Due diligence
As an Ojibwe woman, I felt equipt to narrate from that side. However, not being Dakota, I wanted to do my due diligence in representing the Dakota people in my story. Before paintbrushes touched metal, I met with Holly Young, a Dakota-diverse artist. I also met with Giizh Agaton Howes, and requested my illustrations be shared with other elders and youth of the local Indigenous community to help ensure a unified message from a multitude of people from both cultures.
Learning the curve
This project was one of great reflection and growth. I don't shy away from trial by fire, and creating my first mural on a curved corrugated surface was definitely that. As seen in the pictures below I began by projecting the Great Lakes onto the water tank, which, due to their organic shape, worked. However, when it came to the geometric elements of the Dakota art style, the corrugated surface was an unforgiving landscape.
Getting the right angle
In order to accurately create the geometric elements, I created stencils. With diligence, a roll of painter's tape, (and a prayer to Creator), the Dakota star elements came together. It was important to me for the medicine wheel colors be included in my mural. The medicine wheel has many meanings, direction for the intellectual mind, emotional mind, body, and spirit, as well as cardinal directions, among others.
Acknowledgement and thanks are given to the following: Ua Si and their creative team. My wonder partner, Luke, who toiled many hours filling in my outlines. My amazing creative friend and Native Cousin, Cheyenne, who donated her time for a weekend. Lastly, Springboard for the Arts for taking the opportunity to be an advocate for Native people and put dollars toward physical representation beyond a land acknowledgment.