M’CHIGEENG—An exhibit of engraved blown glass orbs complimented by accompanying beadwork earrings, both created by Indigenous artist Ariel Hill was to end this past week at the Ojibwe Cultural Centre in M’Chigeeng but assistant curator Shaelynn Recollet informed The Expositor that the display would be extended for another two weeks.
“This body of work is an exploration of the teachings about the 13 Grandmother Moons of the Anishinaabe lunar calendar,” explains Ms. Hill in her artist’s statement. “Each moon represents a time in the year that connects the people to the land and to spirit. By naming these full moons we are given cues to what is happening in the natural world. These teachings guide us through the year with knowledge about survival, ceremony and celebration.”
Ms. Hill notes that in the past few years, her artistic practice has shifted to more cultural elements and that she considers herself fortunate to have been raised with the teachings of not one, but two Indigenous cultures, that of the Haudenoshaunee and the Anishinaabe. “These teachings have not always been directly present in my glasswork, but rather related to the connection to the land that I have always had as an Indigenous woman.
Ariel Hill hails from the Six Nations and Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory. She holds a jewellery certificate from the Kootenay School of the Arts and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Alberta University of the Arts with a major in glass. The 13 Grandmother Moon teachings interpreted in ‘Lunar Reflections’ come from author Arlene Berry’s ‘Kinoomaadiewinan Anishinabek Bimaadinzinwin,’ volume two.
The extension of the exhibit provides an opportunity for those who have not yet had a chance to do so to view these intricate and inspirational works.
