In sharing this quote, when it comes to our past history, origin, and culture there are many connections when it comes to Fine Arts such as our traditional singing, dancing, blanket making and craft making etc. Here is a picture of my first button blanket that I made, which was one of our major projects during our Carrier Language and Culture program in 2010. The images you see on button blanket that I have designed all mean something to me, and also resembles my cultural connections through fine arts. First, I wanted to have the shape of Roche de Boule Mountain which is the most beautiful mountain that overlooks Hazelton B.C. My connection to the mountain is I was born in Hazelton, and raised in Hagwilget by my late Grandmother; also my youngest brother is named 'Roche'. I wanted to implement the four colours: black (solid colour), red, yellow, and white to represent the medicine wheel when designing the mountain. Second, I wanted to add a print of the Eagle in the Coast Salish art design in which my uncle helped me design as he is a Master carver who designed a couple of prints, totem poles, and plaques. Third, I wanted to put one pearl shelled button after every ten to represent prayers.
Overall, the significance of this button blanket is very valuable to me as I have put my own designs into it that is connected to my past history, origin and culture of who I am.
Rosalie
A beautiful piece of art and isn't it wonderful how the light is breaking over your shoulders in this photo. You understand the connections between personal identity, shared culture, and art so deeply and you have described them so well here - there is not much for me to add! What a gift it would be if more students could make meaning of their worlds using images that matter to them, as you have done? I wish my family had passed on more information about where we came from and why - but it is not too late for me to begin to tell my family's story, as far as I can remember, so that my children and grandchildren have something!
ReplyDeleteThat is very nice Rosalie! I would love to make a button blanket. Unfortunately I still need to find out the protocol around doing something like that. I really need to get in touch of that portion of the culture. It is very interesting and I am determined to one day to wear a button blanket.
ReplyDelete