I am fairly dedicated to the expression of Art with meaning, and really have strong opinions about "trash for cash" , as I feel that true Native art was spiritually based and was always created as a vehicle for the conveyance of a spiritual thought.
I do not blame those whose life circumstances may have placed them outside of their traditions, and seek to find beauty, and share that expression through whatever means possible. However, I have seen a rolling tide of idyllic native art visa-via what I call "trading post trash", that is being held up as true native in origin. I believe there is a distinction to be made in modern native art , that must be garnished from a fine arts aesthetic.
To reference native art from a purely western ethnocentric view, betrays the very core of traditional Native art creation, that being art for cultural preservation, and a continuance in the purpose of a reflection of spiritual life styles. While I don't condone Native artists that present art for the general public, I don't blame them either, for they are trying to feed themselves in an ever increasing financial disparity within our nation.
I do long for fellow artist that are following a pure expression without the burden of creating art for the known genre. Perhaps we artisans can follow our own hearts and find that the populations of the global societies do want art that may offer fresh perspectives. That art should be wholesome to the spiritual presence is well embraced, and that we all are caretakers of peace should be a purpose to which we all aspire.
I thank you in advance, for those that have shared this thought, please feel free to post you comments.
31 January 2009
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Trading post trash is my exact sentiments. I wonder who does this stuff, and how much are they getting for that stuff? Are they in some 3rd world country being told what to paint, or tie together, or carve. Child labor? Lot's of thoughts go through my mind about this cheap form of so called NAART. Which in it's own form is a lie! And against the law! Since we have our own copyright laws that govern who gets to do what, when it comes to NAART.
ReplyDeleteAs a true Native American artist, I guess you can say it is a form of flattery, that someone must imitate you, since they have no idea of how we come up with our beliefs, traditions. They only want something we can give to them. It is not ours to give, since it came from the creator. Something all Native Americans are born with. All of my relatives are like a walking song dictionary, can sing 500 songs a any given moment, or can paint something from pure emotion that came from a vision. You can't give that away, or teach it. You have to be born with it.
When you look at things this way, then it does make things much easier to do art about your heritage, and traditions.
nice blog be back soon "blog walking"
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