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How can we look to the Future, if we have not made peace with our Past?
COLONIZATION
COLONIZATION
completed: 07/2014
prisma colors
Sometimes it is difficult to talk about the lessons that history has taught us, whether by choice, or by force… This piece gives a small depiction of the way I see things, both past and present. History does repeat itself and not until we learn to change the mistakes of the past, will those stories be forever changed and our cultures preserved for the rest of our generations. We cannot hide the truths of the past from our children and theirs, and pretend that these things never happened. We must tell the stories, and learn from the mistakes, so that future generations do not repeat the histories of our history. These must be respected, and not forgotten, because it is when we forget where we came from, that we do not know where to go. For many years, I was ashamed of my culture because it meant that I would have to acknowledge that I was different. My customs, my language, my mannerisms, and my skin color, were invisible to me ( and “others” ) as long as I denied where I came from and who I was; I could feel like I "belonged". I longed to be like the other kids with pretty light skin, and "normal" families. I denied myself and my culture for many years, and by doing so, I also denied that privilege to my own children as well. Until I learned to accept my own differences and appreciate the struggles and wars of my ancestors, was I able to truly have a sense of 'belonging' and acceptance. I am now proud of my culture, and have learned to embrace it wholeheartedly. These are the lessons I teach my children now, to allow themselves to truly be free by accepting who they are. The inspiration for Colonization came in a moment when I was rehashing the stories of high school education about the Natives and their defeats in history. I needed to depict how I saw this history play out through my own eyes. The Iron fist, which in American history was so revered as the victor, was the hand that cut through the lines of our ancestors and left the “Red rivers” in the deserts. The Dream Catcher, a very symbolic fetish, was torn and broken as the web of protection from the fires of assimilation. As the web of protection was left behind, the cultures were replaced and forgotten. Remembering who we are as a whole; as ONE, we can begin the process of healing through the act of forgiveness.
Lovers in the Wind
Lithographby Nelida
MEDITATION CHIEF...
1994 -2020 An interpretation of what it means to me, to fully be with one self. To know thy Self; To go deep within where my thoughts and my intentions are rooted, and organize them for the benefit of all, not just the ME. I originally began this piece, metaphorically, many years ago. Decades, in fact. The base of this collection of mediums is actually a mask I had started many moons ago when I was trying to connect with my ancestorial Maya background. I cut out a fine old Japanese paper that was eventually going to be a mask about a culture I knew nothing about back then other than what was told to me from old ‘folklore’ stories. That “mask” traveled the journeys with me from then- 1994, to now, where it finally found me when I was shuffling through old dusty skeletons of sketches and drafts, I had found in the few boxes I managed to bring with me from the States. When I pulled it out again, after all those years of being asleep, I knew I needed to finish whatever it was I had unknowingly started. The Chief began to reveal his message to me, and I simply allowed my hands to surrender to its concept and final stage. The mediums used here, are the base of that old Japanese paper, that had already been cut out, acrylic paints of turquoise, gold and black, found sea shells, feathers and gum tree bark. The symbols used here are Native American symbolism for Brotherhood which means loyalty between people or tribes. Duality and balance, metaphorically. The Bear Paw is symbolic to the protection and leadership of the Bear Spirit. Framing: Proserpine Monsoon Gallery Mediums: found objects Size: 67.5cm x 50.5cm x 4cmMEDITATION CHIEF...
Calling on the Spiritsby NelidaArtist markers on canvas
Dancing Maidenby NelidaArtist markers on canvas
Ancestral Connections
by Phanuel Ellwood, my daughter. To look back at the growth process of this beautiful young woman, I am filled with joyful pride because she has opened herself up to the art form of Ancestral connections. Ink on fabric is the in original medium she used for her connection.Page updated
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