Summer is on.

Things have been really busy around here, and not in a bad way. I have completed two courses at school. A colour theory class at the Vancouver Island School of Art as well as a gesture/drawing class at the Victoria College of Art. Both classes were extremely interesting, challenging and good learning environments. I enjoyed the change to spend time in a structured learning environment.
Emboldened with a few new skills, I banged off this 36x48" piece entitled "Homeland". I have been thinking a lot and talking about inter-tribal appropriation. The idea here is that while I am a huge fan of the West Coast artworks that are world renowned out here, it doesn't make a lot of sense for me to try "doing" this style. My Anishinaabe cultural heritage is rich and worth investigating. The Woodlands style, made prominent by Anishinaabe painter Norval Morrisseau, is my artistic lineage. I feel like it is time for me to embrace it and to explore what it means to me. Living on Vancouver Island is a unique setting for me, being that I am one of few visual artists practicing this style.
So be on the look out for more of this stuff in the days ahead. Know that I am extremely happy with how things are , the people I am meeting along the way and the guidance being offered by my mentors. Enjoy your summer, folks!
-Mike