Someone asked how was I doing and what have I been up to lately? As always, doing my thing. My thing this summer has been beadwork. I got to make it up north to purchase some beads from Grant in Tuscarora Nation. I’m back at work but only to the capacity that will allow at the moment. I still enjoy it so there is that!

This year is definitely different with the pandemic still in full motion. It’s been an adjustment for sure. There have been shows that were canceled and postponed but with all due respect, I do not mind one bit for the safety of others and myself is more important than anything. It’s painstakingly sad to attend 3 funerals for community members who died from COVID-19 and also our great nephew over this pandemic.

I was sad we would not have classes, shows or able to vacation like we normally would. But all the considerations and restrictions make it more than one wishes to bare. I can wait, I’m pretty mellow. Aaron would laugh if I said patient.

It takes patience to do bead work, it’s an art that is constantly under construction but it progresses before your eyes like a painting unveils. I do tend to make a few blanks ahead of time as I can work in small batches. Sometimes without a pattern and just with an idea. I’m kinda reckless like that. I like a color or a theme, so sketches don’t always go with beads, I just do it off the top of my head.

At any rate, I’m on strawberries at the moment. And I loved my pins I made earlier this spring, so strawberries it is! Necklaces. I always wanted a beaded necklace for myself and finally did one. But again, blanks at the ready, I’ve made 4 so far. And I love them! They are like wee canvases of art around your neck.

Hope to return to baskets soon, have some things in prep and ideas brewing but nothing in progress yet. I’ll be back. Enjoy!

Breathe

“Triple threat”

Penelope S. Minner, Turtle Clan, Seneca, Allegany Territory, WNY, Salamanca, NY

Graphic designer, Traditional artist, black ash basketry, beadwork and corn husk

Black ash splint, sweet grass, muslin, leather ties, cotton thread

Through my cousin, Midge Dean-Stock, I came to traditional basket making later in life, starting in 1998. It was another opportunity to work with my hands and learn more of our culture. I enjoyed learning the process. I dedicated myself more fully to my art in 2008 due to changes in school, work and family. It became more of my focus and I even began teaching, doing presentations, and sharing this beautiful art. A friend had once referred to me as a triple threat: I smiled and thought I was never a threat; I just enjoy doing my art.

Here’s a mask woven from black ash splint and lashed with sweet grass, lined with treaty cloth and leather ties. I took this apart three times, set it aside, walked away and came back to it. It was my challenge piece. Some background for some folks:

The Two Row Wampum Treaty is represented on the left side of the woven mask by the two purple splints. The treaty, enacted in 1613, is one of the oldest treaties between the Iroquois people and Dutch settlers in the “New World.”

The fundamental Haudenosaunee position was that, “You say that you are our Father and we are your Son. We say ‘We will not be like Father and Son, but like Brothers.’ This wampum belt confirms our words. Neither of us will make compulsory laws or interfere in the internal affairs of the other. Neither of us will try to steer the other’s vessel.”

The Haudenosaunee people consider the treaty to still be in effect. Tradition states: “As long as the Sun shines upon this Earth, that is how long our Agreement will stand; Second, as long as the Water still flows; and Third, as long as the Grass Grows Green at a certain time of the year. Now we have Symbolized this Agreement and it shall be binding forever as long as Mother Earth is still in motion.”

On the right side of the mask is a single pink flower and purple curls: these were added to symbolize the virus above us and the water below. We are in a turbulent time in our lives and we need to be vigilant in our actions as human beings. We can steer our own vessels and still be together. Your choices and actions will be yours alone, but they impact others on the path. Be wise in the choices you make as you go forward.

Johnny Cash did a song about the Seneca’s in the Kinzua era, here on the Allegany. I’ve attached a link for you, just in case you want to hear the story. My folks and grandparents were active in the protest of this timeframe. It was built before I was born. But at least their voices were heard through this song writer and artist.

The second submission was abbreviated as I felt the story would also take up too much room. Plus, it did seem personal, but I can share here more easily.

Breathe

“Reflections”

Penelope S. Minner, Turtle Clan, Seneca, Allegany Territory, WNY, Salamanca, NY

Graphic designer, Traditional artist, black ash basketry, beadwork and corn husk

Cornhusk, cotton thread, cotton fabric backing, leather ties

As I thought about the construction of this art piece, I thought of my folks and their folks who lived through the “Great Depression” We’d ask my mom what it was like and she couldn’t explain other than she hadn’t realized they went without because they didn’t have it before. They had what they needed. It made me grateful for all that we have. We take so much for granted in this life, while others have so very little. My mother received the knowledge of corn husk doll making from her mother-in-law, my Grandma J. She took good care to prepare them with the smallest of details, even their under garments. She braided masks and mats and salt bottles but cornhusk dolls were her specialty. She gave us a gift, passing on a traditional art that was handed to her. I took the challenge and braided the face mask. I added my clan, a turtle and a flower (which she inspired) and a mini cornhusk doll (2″ tall)

As I worked, I thought of my mom. She’s been gone 22 years, and I miss her every day. The time with the mask gave me peace and clarity; it gave me time to think about our time here. Our journeys are different and we will do what we need to get through this pandemic. The braids go over and under, woven together, just as our lives are intertwined, and then stitched together – sometimes not as smoothly as we’d hoped – in the hopes that what we create in life is successful. I’m grateful for the focus of this project and the distraction from real world problems. Hopefully, you have enough. Enough love, enough optimism, enough to sustain you as we go through this challenging time. Peace be with you as you make your way through your journey. Don aho.

Hello! It’s been a while, I know. I’ve been busy throughout this pandemic. Still making my art and contributing where I can. I’ve donated over 50+ face masks until my sewing machine conked out.

But what wanted to share was my art pieces I did for the on line campaign called “Breathe”, it’s open to artist nationwide. The masks are not intended for medical purposes but can be worn. I’ll share the first one here and follow with the second one on the next post. As they each have a story.

Breathe

“Challenging Times”

Penelope S. Minner, Turtle Clan, Seneca, Allegany Territory, WNY, Salamanca, NY

Graphic designer, Traditional artist, black ash basketry, beadwork and corn husk

Materials used on the art piece, Delicas, Miyuki and seed beads, velvet, cotton fabric and satin ribbon.

The symbols used in creating the piece represents some elements of Haudenosaunee culture, through darkness and light, left and right, balance and support, and be of a good mind. The importance of respect, compassion and consideration, thankfulness. These components are crucial in being a decent human being. To survive, we need to protect one another. By wearing your mask you also protect not only yourself but others, be caring, loving and considerate, it’s imperative to our survival. This mask is not intended for medical purposes.

On the left side of the mask, the Corona virus is represented as looming towards Turtle Island, among the sun, moon and the stars. The four directions are the blue swirls, signaling “no one is safe” as it spreads across the globe. A teardrop in the lower corner represents the lives lost to the virus. (As I placed my last bead on April 24, 2020 – 50k lives were lost)

On the right side of the mask, I chose the tobacco plant through which we send our prayers to the Creator. The Four Thunderers are represented by the cloud and lightening along with the blue beads for raindrops, water one of our most sacred elements to survive. The (honey) bee was substituted for the word because he travels where he wishes as does this virus. But through his message he is sending one of caution and hope. “Bee safe, Stay Home”. The strawberries represents beginnings and endings, it is the Creators favorite fruit and is the First to arrive in the Spring. But as our journey ends here on earth and we make our way to the other side, the pathway is lined with strawberries to welcome our way home.

As a Native artist, I’ve always had great appreciation for our traditional hand works and art. An acute awareness of our connections to the land, air and water has always been part of me. I’ve tried to honor my ancestors in my way and unique style through the various mediums in which I find appealing. I’m grateful for the knowledge that was passed to me through them.

I realize not everyone has the same abilities, skills or interest. I have many interests and I’ve kept my mind open to learning new things; I am always learning.

I’ve learned respect; respect for my elders; for our ways; for our teachings; and for myself. I keep this in my mind when I create.

Growing up, I was always around the arts in our family – it was a way of life. I never questioned its importance or why it was necessary. It was to help put food on the table, a means to an end. But now that I’m older, I see that it was a passing on of knowledge, a tradition of ourselves. It hadn’t hit me until just recently how fortunate I was to be in such a talented household. Craftsmanship and talent, time and great care that was obvious in their work and they took pride in it. But humility was also instilled in us as well: always humble never boastful. Grateful for the eyes to see, the hands to touch and the abilities to execute the project.

In my short time here, I’ve learned that Art takes Courage: you are putting your whole self out there for everyone to see. In art school, I recall giving and receiving critiques, it could be helpful to gain insights and perspectives not realized, and it could contain harsh truths, all respectful. But it trained one to always know you are an open target.

Authenticity was also crucial in my growing years: always be true, real, genuine, always be you. Be your own dog. I was never one to follow the pack. What they were doing was not my concern: do your thing. My parents were pretty cool like that.  They let us grow as a person, never holding us back, independent and spirited. That’s why I always smile and think my husband has my back: he supports my endeavors no matter what.  He always says, “Keep doing your thing.”

As I toddle along, still feeling small in this place we call our home, Mother Earth, I try to make my way the best I know and still be a compassionate human being: thoughtful and with the realization that our tomorrow is not promised.  I hope I’ve been able to inspire the next generation.

With a clear head, patience and grace, I move forward onto my next creative project. I’m at peace when I’m doing my work: it makes for an easier time with my work, no matter if its a doll, beadwork or a basket. I was told not to work when your mind is in a hurry, or tense. It will show In your work. For me, it’s almost meditative.  It’s true – “Art is Good Medicine.”  Sometimes you can get lost in thought and just be. Others can attest to this, nod their head in agreement.

In this world of disposable conveniences, instantaneous gratification and entertainment on demand, we have lost our way and lost touch with those that came before.  We’re forgoing the opportunity to learn from our elders.  When I was recently asked, “What advice would I give to the children of the world,” I was paralyzed: my mind went over and round; it really caught me off guard.  I could only say, “Keep learning,” and “Plant a tree.”  Both admirable and sensible, I’d say.  So, thinking in that same vein, as I’ve grown and experienced the world, this is what I’d say in a nutshell: Appreciate our past; honor our time here; be kind to one another, and share your art for the future generations, for the faces we will not see.

So, been busy behind the scenes getting some orders done. Feeling accomplished. The flower basket has a new home and I will enter the beaded wall pocket into a competition soon. Still working on a few things but have to jump into making works for the Routes to Art this May. I’m pleasantly pleased with my first efforts. Others still challenging me and I have accepted graciously. I’m not by any means a master Bead worker but once I put my mind to it, it gets done! Think spring! Beautiful days, enjoy!

Had a nice visit with the ladies at Winer Weave 2020 in Mentor, OH with my sister. Met some new faces, and visited with fellow basket makers. Felt accomplished, new techniques and different materials. Eat, weave and shop, and laughter made for a good getaway. Sister time. Here’s 2 of my baskets.

Had a good day with folks in the community at Ithaca. We made the black ash splint and sweet grass star. The kids picked it up. Volunteers and staff at the Tompkins Co. History and Cultural Center always helpful and make for a lovely visit, much appreciated. We even had a few minutes to explore the Buttermilk Falls for a quick minute. Want to explore more trails when the weather is better. Got another stop at Waffle Frolic for my waffle stix! What’s up next?

I love beading the mini strawberry pin cushions. So, I’ll be at the SAAB Vendor Day for the Valentine’s Day sales. If you get a chance to stop by, I’ll be there from 10-3. Stop by and say hi!

I’ll be in Ithaca again in February! Doing the black ash and sweet grass stars. Getting prepped.