Tobacco Tie Red String Frame

I have been thinking a lot about how to 'finish' my paintings, in particular the large oil painting I've been working on through out this first term. I ended up choosing to hand sew the edges of my painting with red, 'tobacco ties' string and free hang the piece so the edges hang and lift off the wall. This red string has a very specific meaning to me, it is the type of string I've grown up using at ceremony to tie together tobacco tie prayers, which are used in sweatlodge and other ceremonies. Through hand sewing these edges it adds an element of labor and hand sewing clothes, garments, and the dolls I've been making recently.

Monotype Workshop at Crow's Shadow

Had a great Saturday making monotype prints at Crow's Shadow institute of the arts on the Umatilla Rez in Eastern Oregon. Got to work with and learn from Frank Janzen the master printer out there, trained from Tamarind and has worked with lot's of great artists. It was a crazy day! Shirod Younker and Kaliko picked me up at 4:26 am in the dark and rain and then we went the TA truck stop off 84 to wait for Toma, who was late!! Once we all made it in the car and got some truck stop coffee (tea for me) and ate some donuts, we were off to the Rez! Making it at 9 am just in time to view the incredible artwork up, watching a demo from Frank, and then diving in to a full on day of printmaking! :) It felt good to be indigenous, with my peers, out in indian country, making art....