Inherent Innovation

Abstract

Native American people have relied on their inherent skills of innovation as a means of survival. As makers, they acquired new skills and traded for the most modern fabrics, beads, and metals to adorn themselves. As an artist, my motivation for acquiring new skills and applying them to my making is no different than what was done in the past. My goal is still the same; continued survival. As a means of facilitating the survival of regionally specific designs of the Upper Midwest, also referred to as Woodlands, I opt to use technology to reinterpret my designs. Rather than sewing and doing beadwork I resort to 3D CAD software and 3D printing to make my designs come to life. The use of technology serves to contradict the stereotypes of what is ascribed to be Native American. The works within Inherent Innovations are meant to challenge the assumptions and expectations inside as well as outside of a Native American perspective, as to what is considered to be Native American art.