Co.Lab Gallery presents
Elliott Doxtater-Wynn’s
ShamanZen | 50 Drawings
SATURDAY JUNE 11th 6:00 TO 10:00PM
LIVE PERFORMANCE OF SHAMANZEN AT 7:30PM
featuring : Elliott Doxtater-Wynn, Haileigh Doxtater-Wynn, Hannah Doxtater-Wynn, Johnny Longfeather, Michelle Derosier, Precious Anderson & AJ Esquega
After laying down a large area of full sized drawing paper Doxtater-Wynn began to illustrate using iconic images , symbols and icons from his cultural background, being Ojibway/ Mohawk.
“I took those sheets and cut them up and shuffled them together. I began drawing again, basing all the images on only what I could see outlined by the previous process. All the mediums range from pencil to watercolour, all images were done as drawings with materials used with drawing technique.
Mn’a Ghiizhgaat (On a good day):
I was carrying the stack of drawings and I dropped them on the floor cascading them. When I looked at the figures and images I started to see a similarity in the design. I began picking them up one at a time and reordering. This is the story they created.
Andisokaanaan (A story told in my words):
Skywoman fell. Winona helped raise a newborn Nanaboozhoo. An original story of motherhood.
The story continues with Odaaminokwe growing to become a woman. Her mother takes her to the fasting grounds to have her vision. Off in another territory Makwanini is doing a fast to see his vision. The two are connected and their visions bring them together.
Anishnaabemaadziwin (Indigenous Way of Knowing):
The finished works not only visually represent the fasting and visions of Odaamino Kwe and Makwa Nini but reflect the connection through our stories. The images and depictions reflect different components of the traditional Indigenous culture such as Thunderbird, Thunder Spirits, fasting, singing, spirit, dodem (clan), history and family.
Our reflection in the world around us illustrates where we came from, who we are and who we can become.
Exhibition Continues Until JUNE 30th, 2022 during regular market hours
This exhibition has been co-curated by artistic director Lora Northway and resident curator Sarah McPherson.
Please do not attend if you are unwell or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive or has been told to isolate.
ELLIOT DOXTATER-WYNN
Elliott Doxtater-Wynn was born an Indian of Ojibway/ Mohawk descent. His career started after graduating from the H.B. Beal Art School in London, ON, and he now holds a BFA with Lakehead University, and a Masters in Inclusive Design through OCADU, specializing in Relating Indigenous Worldview Through Storytelling and Inclusive Technologies.
He is currently channeling much of his energy into music, writing, and creating a graphic novel, but his roots are in drawing and sculpture. Among his most notable achievements is a work selected by Coca-Cola for their pavilion at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. He has been involved in fine arts and First Nation cultural education for the past 20 years where he has applied his experience and knowledge as a mentor, leader and educator.
His body of work also includes writing, visual art, music and technology. Past accolades include the Aboriginal Youth Achievement award, the first Indigenous recipient of the Top 40 under 40 Chamber of Commerce Business Award for Northwestern Ontario, Thunder Bay Artist of the Year 2017, selected to create designs for the 2010 Olympics. Additionally he was a broadcaster for CBC Radio1, Thunder Bay for 12 years. Most recently he has been working with KO communities to record and archiving cultural knowledge and histories to be used as educational resources. Currently he is working on publishing his first full length graphic novel.
“I have been an active artist meeting the critical demands in various genres and mediums of art for the past 20 years. My belief and strength in my art in all its forms comes from the belief that you should represent yourself through art. Your artistic persona is the embodiment of your vision and manifestation in the outside world. The collective knowledge I have gained through education, traditional First Nation Elders teachings, and combined life experience have made me into a storyteller. My strength has been through my family.
My main motivation as a career artist is to prove an artist can survive. My main motivation in life is, Today only happens today, make the most of it.”
SPONSORED BY:
Hon Dr. Rhonda Hopkins; Wikwemikong, ON
Oginiis Fashion Kendaasiwin
images from the opening night:
Photos by Sarah McPherson
