I’m current writing a blog post on
“Understanding Cultural Appropriation vs. Appreciation in Mask Making.”
For two months now, this topic has occupied my mind, challenging me to capture its essence and honour its importance. Its a subject that has followed me the spanned of my career as a mask creator and is ever present in each mask I make. Addressing this relevant and meaningful subject while managing my dyslexia has been difficult and frustrating to say the least. I’m taking time and a step back to help alleviate the pressure I have put on myself to get this post up. To ensure the article is truthful, insightful, and impactful for you, my creative companions. While I work on the article, I recommend watching theĀ documentary attached at the end of this article, exposing how greed corrupted the legacy of renowned Indigenous artist Copper Thunderbird, also known as Norval Morrisseau.
Morrisseau remains close to my heart. I met him a handful of times in the early medieval ’90s as a young man. I remember an elderly figure, ancient to my young eyes, struggling with health issues affecting his painting. His inviting nature, generous teaching, and encouragement of my artistic interests left a lasting impression. HisĀ charisma and passion for art still resonate with me three decades later. Morrisseau helped me connect with my art and identity as an artist, revealing new perspectives on creativity and how to draw inspiration from the world me. He showed me art’s universal presence and its power to connect us all.
I encourage you to watch “There Are No Fakes” and consider its implications. It highlights the art world’s complexities and the crucial need to protect artistic integrity.
