Jackie Fawn, 2023 MWGOE Artist
(Washoe Tribal Citizen, Yurok, Filipina)
“After working on this piece, I felt like I really began to know her. I don’t draw many Elders – when I do, it’s for certain reasons. The woman here is Grandmother Earth. She is so beautiful and balanced – her body, the blanket of mountains around her, the water, and her turquoise – growing up, my grandmother always wore a lot of turquoise. In her hair, I placed wildflowers and the ocean – the importance of water is always present, as it connects us all. As an artist, I’m often asked to create intertribal motifs and representation. I felt like it was time to uplift our sacred quail relative, often overshadowed by the hummingbird, eagle and hawk. Many people relate to those birds, but the quail is unique and specific to certain regions, and has its own songs and medicines. Next to the traditional basket, I placed currants, acorns and thimble berries – foods and medicines that aren’t always highlighted, but are known by our Elders. The original was sketched with ink and paper, and coloring was another process where she just came to life. I no longer have any grandmothers, so it was important for me to really sit with her and the creative process. The whole piece has a nostalgic, retro feeling to it, which is something that many see in my recent work.”