RWS was pleased to cover the imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival for a second time! Nadya was there last year and captured a full 5-day schedule, and this year was much the same, but considering it was the festival’s 10th Anniversary, an extra boost of excitement permeated the various workshops, screenings and evening concerts. The week started on Tuesday with a Pre-Festival Party for Digging Roots in celebration of their new CD ‘We Are’. Wednesday afternoon was the official start with the Welcoming Reception at the Native Canadian Centre, followed by the Opening Night Screening at the Bloor Cinema. Wednesday was a wrap w/ the Opening Night Party at The Century Room. With the festival in full swing, Nadya began Thursday’s coverage with the Harold Greenberg Screenwriting Workshop facilitated by Karen Walton; next was a celebration of Cape Dorset art with a screening of “James Houston: The Most Interesting Group of People You’ll Ever Meet” by John Houston; Nadya dashed back to the Al Green Theatre for screenings of Tshitashun (Number). Love on the Street, and Jackpot. The evening concluded with a special mixed media & live performance improvised collaboration with Tanya Tagaq and DJ Bear Witness during the […]
Last week, I was in Thunder Bay, Ontario to attend the Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund‘s (NADF) Business Awards, held October 21st. NADF is an aboriginal owned and controlled organization delivering business and financial services to the member First Nations of Nishnawbe Aski Nation. Launched in 1991 and held annually, the Business Awards recognizes the outstanding commitment, dedication and contributions of the growing Aboriginal and Métis business community in northern Ontario. This year marked NADF’s 19th gala event. In the days prior to leaving I had rushed around getting business docs and info sent off to awards selection committee. Everything came together just in the nick of time! Upon arriving in Thunder Bay I was so tired! I went to the hotel, had a quick bite to eat in the hotel restaurant, back up to the room, ironed my shirt, then… slept. Time passed… and passed. I must have been really tired, because I slept a good 4 hours and woke up with 15 mins to get ready! I did the quick 5 min make-up routine, called the cab and was off in 10 mins flat! I was told I was to be recieving the Neechee Achievement Award, but upon finding […]
So my buddy Louie sent a pair of 8th Gen kicks a few months back …featuring his most stellar, vibrant, original artwork. I was so stoked when they arrived, and immediately tried ’em on. These (along with all his other designs) are one-of-a-kind, custom made shoes… and the first pair w/ the Heron design. I was waiting for the right time to photograph, the right mood. Here are the results of the recent shoot. (click images to view larger) Since launching 8th Gen thousands have connected with Louie’s artwork. 8th Gen has been featured in Indian Country Today, on CBC Radio, and countless newpaper articles, blogs, and social-networking sites. If you haven’t heard of 8th Gen yet, here’s a bit of background info re: his approach: When I started putting my art on shoes a few months ago, I had no idea it would lead to a facebook page with over a 1000 fans (now 2000!) in just a few weeks and my first small business. I just wanted to create something that represented me, a person who celebrates the dynamic realities of modern life while maintaining a strong cultural identity. It turns out that many people are also drawn […]
Curated by Debra Yepa-Pappan Location: Beacon Street Gallery 410 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL Opening reception October 9, 2009 5 – 8pm Exhibition runs through December 20, 2009 “Intrigue and Novelty” highlights the work of 8 contemporary Native American women artists, each of whom is a superstar among her peers in the Native art scene. These women utilize conventional and modern methods/mediums to create images that resonate their individual experiences as Native American women. Portraying images of Native tradition and pop iconography, it’s evident that these women balance themselves between their traditional backgrounds which are rich in age old ceremonies and customs (Intriguing to non-Natives) and modern pop culture (Novelty). Artists include: Christine Caluya, Amber Gunn Gauthier, Nadya Kwandibens, Linda Lomahaftewa, Erica Lord, America Meredith, Rose B. Simpson, and Debra Yepa-Pappan. Visit: www.beaconst.org
Mark Rutledge approached me back in June about doing a feature of my work for a new series on his website that highlights Aboriginal photographers, illustrators, painters and designers. Red Works is honoured to be the first featured artist in this monthly showcase. Chi-miigwech/ thank you very much, Mark for this opportunity! To read the feature visit: www.mhr-studios.com
