television for anybody that’s involved in that wave that’s going on right now. It’s just amazing because of the role modeling for our kids in our communi- ties. We never had this.” Wapanatâhk said such art can continue to make statements about Indigenous cultures for genera- tions. “Eventually, I want to turn them into an heir- loom for my kids. I want to pass them down because I feel like they’re just so special.”
Failing Forward Lee said he continues to be inspired by the works of other Native artists, and he is always striving to improve his craft and add techniques and concepts to his repertoire. As Lee said, “Indigenous art forms are constantly evolving.” In today’s competitive artistic world, Lee said such self-discipline and hard work are essential,
especially for budding artists striving to suc- ceed. “I think in any art form, whether it’s paint- ing or whatever, nobody sees all the pieces that you burnt and wrecked and bent the wrong way and the stuff that gets recycled and melted down,” he said. “You’ve got to keep at it every day, and you’ve got to fail forward. . . . You’ve got to fail in order to make it right.” “It’s so easy to get discouraged. It’s tough out
there. There are so many of our young artists that have talent,” Lee said. “But it’s really the hustle behind it. It’s how much you put behind it. That’s how far you’re going to go.”
vincent schilling is an Akwesasne Mohawk journalist, public speaker and author. Follow him on social media at @VinceSchilling. See more of Erik Lee’s works on his Instagram page: @plains_cree_silversmith.
This sterling silver belt buckle carved on both sides with matching mountain and tree motifs was awarded a first place at the Santa Fe Indian Market’s centennial celebration in 2022. Matching chevrons are carved into the belt’s leather. Together, they represent “balance” and “movement.”
“Balance and Movement,” buckle and belt, 2022, sterling silver and hand- tooled leather, 4’ x 3”.
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION
WINTER 2022
41
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52
