Artist statementI’m a painter at heart but have worked in many different mediums throughout the years. As an Ojibwe, I have used self-expression through art, bringing awareness to a worldwide audience about my culture and Native American issues. I use portraits as a focal point and then add cultural semiotics for the secondary part of the story. I also use bright colors to reflect the beauty of my culture, which in return lures the viewer interest. In collaboration, images of iconic figures and cultural semiotics are used to create a theme. This shows a much narrower perspective and helps break down the stereotypes of Anishinaabe (Original People). I want the viewer to experience a personal connection to the imagery in my paintings. For example, when I paint an image of a political portrait, I make sure the model I’m using shows the exact self-expression or gesture I’m looking for so the viewer can either relate to or clearly understand. Without this, the painting tells a complet
