Waterbird's Nest: NARF Launches New Young Artists Book for Native Rights

Dale Auger

Dale Auger: On Art, Blood and Kindred Spirits
by Terri Mason

Defining Dale Auger in one sentence is akin to releasing the colours of a diamond in one cut. It can’t be done. It’s the many facets that release a diamond’s true brilliance, as it is the many facets of Auger’s life, education, ancestry, experiences and beliefs that have shaped and polished his work into the internationally acclaimed and collected artist that he is today.

Born a Sakaw Cree from the Bigstone Cree Nation in northern Alberta, Auger’s education began as a young boy when his mother would take him to be with the elders. “I used to say to myself, ‘Why is she leaving me with these old people?’ – but today I see the reason; I was being taught in the old way.”

Auger’s respect for traditional teachings led him on a journey to study art, opening the door to a doctorate in education. He is a talented playwright, speaker and visual artist whose vividly coloured acrylics have captured the attention of collectors that reads like an international ‘Who’s Who’ spanning English to Hollywood royalty. The essence of his work is communication, and now Dr. Auger has come full circle, interpreting the life of his culture – from the everyday to the sacred - through the cross-cultural medium of art.

Read the rest here:

http://www.daleauger.com/printversionbio.cfm

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

NARF Launches New Young Artists Book for Native Rights

Denver, CO —The Native American Rights Fund in partnership with Fulcrum Publishing has recently published a visually stunning tribute to young Native American artists and their progressive visions. A collection of artwork from around the country, Visions for the Future: A Celebration of Young Native American Artists, shares unique views on the 21st century. These works capture the vivid emergence taking shape in the Native American art world and includes writings by the young artists on their perspectives on Native rights, Native art, and the future of Indian country.

Visions for the Future is based on the annual art show of the same name, sponsored by the Native American Rights Fund (NARF). The goal of the art show is to raise awareness for NARF’s work and to bridge generations and communities in the struggle for Native American rights through the celebration of contemporary Native American art and culture. Exploring topics such as resistance, perseverance, pride, media coverage, and legacy, the artists in these pages will be important names to watch.

Visions for the Future contains:

*14 featured artists in their favorite medium (songs, painting, photography)
*Artist background and artistic statement
*Introductory essays about contemporary Native American art, where the movement is heading, and the continuing struggle for Native rights
*Explanations by the artists of the featured works

“The imagery of tribal life in these pages is both contemporary combat and revered allegiance. In collection of innovative painting, sketches, digital art, existing stereotypes are confronted, new perceptions are challenged, and a history of survival is championed. Although no single song, painting, or photograph can entirely express what centuries of catastrophe has done to tribes, they can teach everyone who views them about the valiant efforts fought and won, born from an era that has reignited a vision for the future.”—Jenni Ghahate-Monet, journalist (excerpt from Visions for the Future).

A portion of book sales will benefit the non-profit legal and advocacy work of NARF. To purchase a copy of this book, click here: https://secure2.convio.net/narf/site/Ecommerce/1853588414?VIEW_PRODUCT=true&product_id=1901&store_id=1101&JServSessionIdr005=o3o5i3yno3.app6b