I began my newest art piece focusing on the construction of the corn husk dolls. I was asked to do a piece about the time the corn husk doll realized she lost her face. The story is dear to me because my cousin shared it when she was the curator of the SINM. I favor this version over all others. Its all about interpretation in my view.

Haudenosaunee Corn Husk Dolls

We make our children corn husk dolls so that they are never alone. Faceless dolls teach us that we should never judge someone by their appearance nor should we obsess with our own vanity as is a distraction to completing the tasks that we are meant to do. Judging others by their appearance is an obstacle to seeing what is in their heart.

The Legend of the No Face Doll

The Haudenosaunee people respect what they call the sustainers of life, the Three Sisters – Corn, Beans and Squash. The Corn Spirit was so thrilled to be one of the sustainers of life that she asked the Great Spirit if there was anything more that she could do for her people. The Great Spirit told her that a doll could be formed from her husk. So she made the doll from her husk and gave the doll a beautiful face. Then, the doll went from village to village and played with the children. 

Everywhere she went everyone kept telling her how beautiful she was. So, it wasn’t long before she became conceited. The Great Spirit called to her. But, before she went into the Great Spirit’s lodge she looked into a pool of water to admire herself. The Great Spirit talked to her and told her that if she kept thinking that she was better than everyone else a terrible punishment would come upon her, but he wouldn’t tell her what it would be. So, again the doll went from village to village playing with the children and again everyone kept telling her how beautiful she was. 

It wasn’t long before she became conceited again. The Great Spirit called her and once again she looked into the pool of water to admire herself before going into the lodge. Upon entering, the Great Spirit said to her: “I have given you one warning, now a great punishment will come upon you.” But he still wouldn’t tell her what it was. When she left the lodge, she again looked into the pool of water to admire herself, but this time she didn’t have a face. The Great Spirit had taken it away. 

Since that time, the Haudenosaunee people do not put a face on their corn husk dolls. This is to remind people, never to think that they are better than anyone else or a great punishment will fall upon them.

So, I made my own version of her in my art. She will be entered in a photograph form into the Spring Art Show at the SINM on March 25, 2023 you can see it there. I will post after she is juried.

Been busy since we got back on track after the holidays, I love family time.

I’m lining up my new year already, already in process of booking into August! I am working on things sideways as well, I have a corn husk doll making class with the public at the Salamanca Pubic Library.

I will be working with the Seneca Senior Center next month, sharing my art of corn husk doll making also. I have a few museum tours coming up as well as a few zooms to get in on.

We will have a pow wow here on Allegany Territory in February as well, good times. And I’m lined up for 2 classes for basket making outside our area. (first one is with my sister, we always do this when we can, in Mentor, OH and the second one is in VA) Busy times ahead.

I decided when I can and if I am available to take a class here or there in some art form that I am interested in. Starting tomorrow I’m taking a book binding class. I met a fellow artist who works with the instructor at WNY Book Arts in Buffalo! Small world or what? I want to get up there and connect with folks as well for print making opportunities. Super excited about that aspect.

Currently working on piece to be on display this year, corn husk doll is coming along beautifully. More detail to be added first and then I can share it later on once on display. Excited for it.

Just doing my thing as usual, but more hustle in the game! Take care, may see you soon. Enjoy your day!

Fun part of finding my work in others databases is seeing my work!

This is in the Iroquois Indian Museum in Howes Cave, NY – stop by some time to see what is in store. Always a new display and collection. Honored to be seen in another venue.

https://iroquoismuseum.pastperfectonline.com/Webobject/CA079584-7278-4BF0-9A0A-945721066900

I did a few shows for the holiday season , which were fun! I also appreciate all the support from our community and Native artists.

There is always something going on in the background and I’m always busy. If it”s not artwork it reading about art in some capacity. The winter months are good for making baskets as every one seems to be indoors more.

I’m looking forward to the new year as I have some plans for classes for myself and also for more teaching opportunities in the community.

Going to take a well deserved break for a few days, please stay toasty, safe and have a wonderful time with your family, as those are my plans!

Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year! Here we come 2023!!

I have a few scheduled classes for the month of November, so I’m keeping busy with everything. Also, have some holiday shows to be in as well, November 19th at the ACC and November 26 at the SINM/OCC Winter Market show, then the ECLC Holiday Fundraiser Show! Eek!

I am busy. Upcoming Strawberry pin cushion and splint ornament and corn husk dolls. And one presentation with the Faithkeeper’s Nest. This is always a busy time, hope I can keep up, lol! Check back soon, hope to have photos next time.

I did make it into the Minnesota Gallery, I’ll be packaging that up.

It looks like I have billions of things going on, and I do! lol, I have a nice break but then going to teach at the AOA, Springville Arts Council and the Seneca Allegany Casino and then the SINM/OCC. All different art disciplines, but that’s what makes it fun! So, November is not slowing down for me and right up to the first weekend in December! Wow! I hope I can get things done for the shows!

IF I get flyers, I’ll post and share. Otherwise, have a good one!

Stay toasty, until next time!

A friend and I went up to Brantford, ON for a 3 day workshop/camp for log pounding and black ash basket making. We had a hot and adventurous weekend. The photo shows the splints pounded as a collective. We all walked away with a small basket. I appreciate my pounders, I am not cut out for it, I knew this already but showed my support and assisted some of the folks at camp.

Preparing for the Salamanca Falling Leaves festival in a month. But in the meantime, I get to attend the Seneca Fall Fest. this weekend. There is a fashion show and I have a purse in the show, should be fun to watch and participate in.

Then I have plans to be at Ithaca the following weekend to do a class with the The History Center in Tompkins County, a one day event, teaching Black Ash Splint stars!

Then I’m onto the Niagara Falls Power Authority Wilderness Days, also doing the Black Ash Splint stars.

Submitted a piece to a show in Minnesota, will see if I am juried in! In the meantime, I’ve been getting my work done for my entry to the Ganondagan Juried Art Show and my granddaughter’s birthday gift. There is always something. Just finished a wedding and now preparing for the Winterthur classes in October – time is flying! I’ll be able to share some photos after the submission process, etc. Can’t reveal all my secrets!

Have a good one! Always learning, reading and creating art!

Be back soon.

Back at it again! Had my shows back at Heritage Day in June, it rained in the afternoon, but we persevered! Then came a pop-up with my sister and then at the Seneca Veteran’s Pow Wow at Vets Park in Salamanca I did a demonstration and meet and greet with folks coming into the pow wow grounds under the SINM/OCC tent. And then up to Victor, NY at the Ganondagan site for the Indigenous Music and Arts Festival. All while doing my art work and sharing it, learning more and participating in the Creatives Rebuild New York under the Artists Employment Program and as a Artist in Residence with the SINM/OCC.

It’s already been a busy summertime! My fall calendar is also filling back up. Plans to do more events this year. I’m still cautious because seems like we are an oddity and glad for it too, since we haven’t had Covid and I’m okay with that.

Be back soon. Have a wonderful day!

Here I go again! I lost my connection, even if its easy for some, its not always easy for me!

I’ve been invited to be a part of a Pathways to Success grant and another opportunity to be part of a collabrative with the SINM and OCC here in Salamanca. Exciting things going on…

Shows are opening back up and I’m going to be at the Joe Curry Pow Wow we have in town July 16, doing a demonstration and talking baskets. Then the following week I’ll be a vendor at the Ganondagan site in Victor for the Indigenous Music and Arts Festival – July 23 & 24, 2022

I’ll be back with some photos soon.