Valerie St. Pierre Smith
Valerie St. Pierre Smith
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Samples from Hoop DreamsTM.
As an artist, I am excited and inspired by the visual beauty, as well as the preservation, of nature. My work is the celebration of the joy and wonder found in natural subjects - both physical and relational. Touched by the beautiful motifs used in traditional American Indian decoration, my work seeks to express the simple beauty found all around us. I also want to raise awareness about the artistry of my ancestors.
My choice of painted silk is heavily influenced by certain environmental issues facing us today. Fabrics can be one of the most toxically produced items in the world. Having trained and worked for many years as a costume designer, I have a great appreciation for fabrics and traditional fiber arts. Unfortunately this is combined with the very sad knowledge of how most of them are produced. Choosing to represent natural themes on natural fabrics, as many being organic as possible, reflects my respect for the natural world.
Education is also important to me, so whenever appropriate I choose titles in my ancestor’s language, Anishaabemowin. The pronunciation and English translation is provided when possible. For many Native Americans, traditional languages have almost completely vanished due to "socialization"; attempts of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. A people's language is more than just verbal communication. It defines their identities and preserves theirs histories. Names also hold great importance to American Indians. Chosen with care and attention they honor people and beliefs. By entitling my work with native words I am honoring the history of my ancestors. It also honors the viewers who are sharing in it's meaning.
By integrating so many facets of my life - education, experience and an American Indian background - I am able to express the passion that I have for my heritage and environmental awareness.
My choice of painted silk is heavily influenced by certain environmental issues facing us today. Fabrics can be one of the most toxically produced items in the world. Having trained and worked for many years as a costume designer, I have a great appreciation for fabrics and traditional fiber arts. Unfortunately this is combined with the very sad knowledge of how most of them are produced. Choosing to represent natural themes on natural fabrics, as many being organic as possible, reflects my respect for the natural world.
Education is also important to me, so whenever appropriate I choose titles in my ancestor’s language, Anishaabemowin. The pronunciation and English translation is provided when possible. For many Native Americans, traditional languages have almost completely vanished due to "socialization"; attempts of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. A people's language is more than just verbal communication. It defines their identities and preserves theirs histories. Names also hold great importance to American Indians. Chosen with care and attention they honor people and beliefs. By entitling my work with native words I am honoring the history of my ancestors. It also honors the viewers who are sharing in it's meaning.
By integrating so many facets of my life - education, experience and an American Indian background - I am able to express the passion that I have for my heritage and environmental awareness.
Weedjiwaugan. (wee-jee-wah-gin)
"Companion of the path of life."
Giisis Wawaskwane (gee-sis wah-wah-skah-nay)
"Sun Flower"
Mnookmi Kizhep (min-ook-meh kizsh-ep)
Spring Morning
Giinwe Gashina (g-in-weh gahsh-in-ah)
"Our Mother"
Waabshkaa Jichaak (wahb-shkah jee-chalk)
"White Spirit"
Wawaskwane (wah-wah-skah-nay)
"Flower"
