Erik Lee. Necklace, 2021. Sterling Silver, Collection of the artist
‘More than beautiful ornamentation, adornment is a visual language expressing the joy of creativity, pride in attention to craftsmanship, and the desire to share with others. Above all, it honors oneself as well as one’s people by doing a thing well.’
Sherr Dubin, Lois. North American Indian Jewelry and Adornment; Harry N. Abrams, Inc. New York. p11,12,18
Early adornment provides a sense of knowledge about our ancestors that reflect the natural world in which they lived. The seasonal round of birth and rebirth shape our world view in a circulatory way as everything is interdependent. Through European contact and trade metal goods, cloth and glass beads were incorporated into the repertoire of the maker. Even as the use of trade materials increased, traditional styles of embellishment remained with the use of these traditional materials still being utilized to this present day, maintaining connection to ancestors, and cultural traditions. ‘Contemporary artists/artisans are keenly aware of their responsibility as guardians of traditions from which their imagery and inspiration derive.’
The exhibition ᐊᐧᐃᐧᓯᐦᒋᑲᐣ wawisihcikan-adornment features works by Elaine Alexie, Erik Lee and Carmen Miller.
Curated by MJ Belcourt and organized by the Art Gallery of Alberta (TREX Region 2). This exhibition was generously funded by Syncrude Canada Ltd.
