New Status Attained!

So, I realize it has been a while since I posted. I try to keep up, but it would appear I am failing so far. Perhaps I need to make up a blogging schedule... and try to keep to it.

My current obsession has been cleaning. Unfortunately, I let my space get to a certain level of uncleanliness, then it bugs the heck outta me until I turn around and furiously clean. Well, I have been doing more furious cleaning than letting it get to a cleanliness-challenged state lately. I realize this is a good thing. I also realize that I should not let myself get so frustrated with it in the first place, and perhaps just try to keep it clean instead. We shall see.

Oh, right, this blog post is supposed to reflect my newly acquired status! I am now no longer amongst the unemployed! I have been given a job! I have to say, it was an interesting process.

It started back in early November, when I applied for the job. Well, they had actually decided on their candidates when I had submitted my resume and cover letter. Recently, however, a person in the Receptionist/Office Assistant position has been promoted to a different position within the organization, so they needed to fill the spot. They pulled my resume and cover letter! (Oh, I didn't know that detail until after my first interview)... so I was asked to an interview. I attended, dressed in nice slacks, a white button-up shirt, and black jacket. It went well, in my opinion. After that, I anxiously waited. They said they would be calling people starting the next day... And they did. I was thrilled to be offered a second interview.

I wore a nice gray skirt and a fave top of mine to the second interview. I intended to be there early, but due to my car breaking down, I was afraid I would be late! What did I do? I called as soon as it happened (one hour before my interview) and told them I might be late. Thank goodness I wasn't! I was dropped of with three minutes until my interview.

I must say, being interviewed by four people, one of which being your potential boss, can be a bit intimidating. I tried to be less nervous by joking a bit. Hopefully that was a good thing, right? Well, they asked me a bunch of tough questions, including what my weakness/challenge/need-to-work-on might be. I answered honestly: being 23 years old, recently out of college, and with only two internships under my belt, I am still learning professionalism in the workplace. I understand healthy boundaries and professionalism, but am still learning how best to put them in practice. Much to my frustration, when I asked what they were looking for "understanding of professionalism and boundaries" was near the top of the list, after dependability and the ability to do the job. Needless to say, I left the interview feeling less than confident.

My family (birth and chosen) inspired me to continue smiling, despite being scared. If I didn't get the job, it was a great opportunity and I learned something out of it. They were all very confident I would get the job, so much more than I was.

Shortly thereafter, I received a phone call requesting my references, which I happily gave. I tentatively took it as a good sign I was still in the runnings. I was then asked to fill out an application. I wondered if this was a good sign, or if they just needed it to put on record whether or not I did get the job. I waited... and waited...

I was very excited to get the call. I was offered the job! I just needed to fill out some background check information and complete a UA (Urine Analysis, the standard drug testing procedure). I wasn't entirely sure when I would start, but I am so very excited to have the job! I will now, once again, be a part of the working class. I will have an income again!

I did wonder, though, since I admitted to a MAJOR weakness... did they just appreciate my honesty and willingness to learn/work on it? Or did they decide that I was worth the effort to try despite my shortcomings? I guess I also wonder if I was their first pick, or someone else was offered the job and turned it down... like they were given another offer already or something. But, whatever the reason, I am pleasantly hired.

And I really enjoy the job. I have completed my first week and am loving it. The people I work with are all very nice, and understanding when I make a mistake (which, first week, there were understandably a few). The clients have all been very friendly and patient with me (another plus). I am looking forward to continuing to work with these wonderful people.

Where does that put my artwork? Well, it does put it a little bit more behind. I admit to being sleepy this weekend and didn't really do too much. (Okay, I did do some housework yesterday, but that was just the bathrooms and some dishes. In a big house, not all that much.)   I hadn't been doing much during the week, either, after learning so much new and running about.   I do have time, however, when I am riding public transit. I will be working on basketry then, and twiddling my fingers all the way to work and back. I anticipate some neat new stuff. :)

Movie Review: Imprint

Image courtesy of google.com

In my last blog post, I casually tossed out the name of the film Imprint. I realize now that some of you, my faithful readers, may have never heard of or seen the movie. I have thus decided to educate you.

The film was released in 2007, and was the 32nd Annual American Indian Film Festival Winner in the Best Film category. It tackles the difficult issues of minorities in the current white American society and spirituality in the modern world, but doesn't focus on it. It instead focuses on the occult, ghostly images that the main character encounters. What is this film, then? A review by "Variety" on the cover calls it "an old-fashioned ghost story with a Native American twist." And it is, a ghost story. A compelling story with excellent cinematography. And they actually speak in a real Native American language!

I will admit to not liking thriller, ghost, or horror films, as my friends can attest to, but I enjoyed this one. It takes place where many Native American films do: the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. It follows the journey of Shayla Stonefeather, played by Tonantzin Carmelo. After a trying court case, Shayla returns home to Pine Ridge to find apparitions and hauntings, which she believes to be connected to her missing brother. After that? Well, you will just have to see. I really don't want to spoil it for you. I want you to take the adventure for yourself.

Better yet? Watch the trailer.

Interested yet? I sure hope so. And I hope you enjoy the film when you watch it.

Movie Review: Older Than America

The new year has been very busy for me thus far. Actually, since my last post I have been going going going. I was a vendor at the Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest's New Year's Eve Sobriety Powwow. I didn't really make much money, and I am cool with it. I really enjoyed seeing people and meeting with friends that I haven't seen in a long time. However, that is not what I wanted to chat about.

For Christmas my mother-in-law gifted the family a film called Older Than America, a movie featuring Native-American actors and about the Native people. We had never seen it before, but there are a good number of great actors.

Image courtesy of Google.com

The lineup includes Tantoo Cardinal, Adam Beach, and Wes Studi, all well-respected Native American actors. Tantoo Cardinal has been in Dances with Wolves, Smoke Signals (playing Arlene), and a great deal of other films. For her full filmography and bio, click on her name. It will direct you to the IMDB page for her. You may recognize Adam Beach from Smoke Signals (playing Victor), Wind Talkers, and the recent Cowboys & Aliens. Dances with Wolves also featured actor Wes Studi. He also starred as Sphinx in Mystery Men, and can be found in a variety of films as both a comedic character and a serious one.

The film was well-done, with a compelling story, wonderful cinematography, and relate-able characters. Older Than America also discusses some very sensitive, difficult subjects that, quite honestly, some people wouldn't touch with a ten-meter pole. Yes, I said ten meters. There are people who wish to deny the existence of some of these issues.

Issue One: "Indian Boarding Schools." These schools were where woefully misguided people believed that it was better to "Kill the savage, save the man" in order to civilize and save children. These children were taken from their homes, their clothing burned, forbidden to use their Native tongue, and suffered physical, emotional, spiritual, sexual, and inter-generational trauma. The film takes into account both oral and written histories of the events that occurred in the schools.The inter-generational trauma still exists in the minds and beliefs of Native Americans youth today. The elders remember it. These schools were mandatory for Native American children as recently as 1975. Yes, that is the late 20th century!

Issue Two: Medical diagnosis within the ideals and confines of the Native American spirituality. Commonly, when discussing a variety religions, including many recognized "world religions," it is difficult to say whether visions and visitations are symptoms of a psychological disorder or not. I won't give anything in the film away, but it does question the balance between reality, mental illness, and spiritual encounters.

It has a similar feel to Imprint (never heard of it? Click the link). It isn't a depressing film. For a story going into a painful and difficult history, it is actually quite uplifting. Like I said, it is a strong, compelling story. I would highly advise giving it a watch.

Remember, the title is Older Than America.

Happy watching. :)

Come see me on the 10th!

Hello all!

Remember my last post? Y'know, where I showed you some of my autumn and winter stock?

Well, you have a chance to see the items in-person, and possibly buy them without having to worry about shipping costs! That entire stock is going with me to a show on December 10th. I will have to do a bit of traveling to get there, but I am excited that I don't mind the travel time at all.

It will be in downtown Portland, OR at Portland State University's Native American Center. If you are interested (and have a facebook) you can check it out here: https://www.facebook.com/events/227508577323006/

Don't have facebook? Don't worry! Email me (picpic.tewlikitpe(AT)gmail.com) and I can send you the flier.

I hope to see you and your family (two leggeds, four leggeds, winged and/or finned) there. AND offer you this coupon:

Post-Thanksgiving Daze

There are many things to be thankful for. I am alive, I have a roof over my head, I have food to eat, I have potable water to drink, I can create, I do create, and I am surrounded by people who love me. Yes that "family" aspect is very, very important to me.

So important, in fact that my favorite pattern is my "family" motif.

"Family" in orange and brown on etsy

"Family" in red and brown on etsy

I absolutely adore fall colors. Sadly, there have been horribly of those vibrant colors here lately. The fall came late to us, you see. The leaves had barely begun to turn when the late-fall/early-winter chill winds came and whipped them off the trees. So, I decided to do some baskets in fall colors to keep the season around for a little longer.  If I still have them, they can be purchased from my etsy shop. Links are in the captions. :)

I love the colors here. So pretty! Now that fall has transitioned into early winter, I am working on a few new winter items. My favorite new pattern is the self-taught snowman! Check out these two items in my etsy shop.

This little guy is on a necklace on etsy.

In purple, and on etsy.

So, there you have it. Post-Thanksgiving, I have been so very busy creating. And, sadly at this very moment, being sick.  I did a show on the 18th, and did pretty well. Since then, it has been insane. Very insane.

I leave you with well-wishes and hopes that the sickie-bug will skip over you. If not, I hope it goes away quickly. I will get back to you soon, hopefully, with new adventures to share. :)

~N

About Powwows

I decided, getting ready for the upcoming Powwow (the day before Halloween, of course!), that I should probably explain it to those of you who don't know. I am presuming most of you do know about powwows, but, just in case, I am gonna tell you anyway.

At the most basic level it is a gathering of Native Americans (and non-Natives) in festivities that include drumming, singing, dancing, vendors, contests, raffles, and food... But it really is so much more than that. I guess you can kind of relate it to a giant family reunion. Every time I go to this particular powwow I get to see my cousins, my uncle, and some of the "family" that the warm community of team members and vendors has created. There are a number of vendors that I quite enjoy visiting with. I also have run the powwow at WU for the four years, and thus am very attached to the people running the powwow.

There are a few important people to note at the powwow, besides the people putting it on. They are really important, but generally easy to spot and you know their role already.

First is the Emcee. This person gives the announcements, explains what is going on, and often tells stories that enhance the attendee's experience. This person also tends to joking with those present to keep them engaged in what is going on. Not only does the Emcee tell you what is going on, they let you know when things are not allowed. Not even people putting on a powwow are allowed to photograph or record some of the special songs and dances, so please listen for when you should refrain from such things. They will also invite you to join in, so please do.

Second is the Arena Director. This person makes sure that everything on the dance floor goes according to plan, according to tradition, and makes it all run smoothly. He (or she) works in tandem with the Emcee. When the Arena Director tells you to do something, you really should listen.

Third is a group: The drummers and singers. They provide the beat that drives the entire event. One thing about Native drum-beats: they are supposed to mimic the heartbeat. I am totally serious. If you listen, you will notice your heart beats in time with the drum, your movements fall into step, and you miss the music when it stops. Listen to this song and you'll see. It is even greater at the event when the music echoes across the venue and wraps itself around you. It is quite the experience.

Four: The Dancers. This is one category I tend to fall in. These are the people wearing the fancy outfits. We call them our "Regalia," and it is like dress-up clothes for dancing. There are various categories of dancing, for both men and women. There are also "intertribal" dances, which is where you get to join in! Good thing is, no one cares if you don't know the steps, just follow along and enjoy the experience.

Five: Vendors! I tend to fall into this category. These people make amazing things! Even better than just being able to look, you can buy. Not only that, but they are willing to trade, and sometimes willing to work with you on a price. We really aren't a bad lot. I have found a lot of friends in the vendor circles, including my "Tribe in a box" family on Etsy. They have been inspirational. These people commiserate with you when there is bad, when you are sick, or when you are sad. They help bring a smile to your face as they tell you about births, weddings, sales, and good days. They always wish you the best, pray for you (if you want it/need it), and are there for you. I have found this at almost every powwow I have been to (and on my Etsy community). Here is a pic of Mother-In-Law at the booth. Her stuff is all the pretty beadwork; the baskets are mine.

A vendor at powwow who has graciously allowed me to use her photograph.

Six: YOU! Yes, you are one of the most important people at the powwow. It is difficult to share belief systems and cultures when there aren't people to share them with. People in my family are always looking to expand our circles, make new friends, and create lasting friendships.

Seven: Staff and volutneers. Yes, they are as much a part of it as anyone else. These people tend to be behind the scenes, and don't stick out as much as the other six categories. Still, without them, there would be no Powwow. They plan the location, work with the various other groups, set the place up, and clean the entire location after the event. Please take the time to thank powwow staff and volunteers when you see them. They put a lot of hard work into it.

Like the synopsis? Well, here is a powerpoint that goes a little more in-depth, and even gives a little bit of a lesson on powwow etiquette. I have used it to explain powwows to a variety of people from differing backgrounds and walks of life. It even works for people new to English (I have given this at a Japanese exchange school and they seem to understand pretty darn well.) There is a longer version that goes into the different types of dancing (feel free to email me to request a copy).

I would love to meet you at the event. Please check out this flier. I hope you can attend.

NOTE: All external sources are credited where credit is due. Thanks to Youtube and various photographers online for the video and some of the images.    The powerpoint is my creation, and is linked to an upload on my other blog.

An Evening with Inspiration

Just about two weeks ago, I went to an event at the Oregon Zoo for a dinner event. The dinner event honored Native American students who won the scholarships offered by ONAC, the Oregon Native American Chamber.  At this event, I had the excitement of seeing a number of people I know and haven’t had the chance to see lately. I also had the honor of seeing three of my teachers!

From Left to Right, Pat Courtney Gold (basket weaver), Lillian Pitt (multimedia artist), and Ed Edmo (storyteller).

Each of these people has touched my life and taught me a skills I use on my path through life.
I learned a number of the crafts I do at the Oregon College of Art and Craft, which holds the Journeys in Creativity program.

Pat Cortney Gold taught me the basketry around which I base my small hobby-business (currently found on etsy). She has been featured on Craft in America, has art in a variety of stores all over the US and abroad, and has pretty much revitalized the art of basket-weaving in her tribe.  She teaches basketry classes, some of which I want to take in the near future.

It was Lillian Pitt who taught me etching and how to make ceramic masks based on Native American lore.  She has been featured on Oregon Art Beat, has had her art in the Hallie Ford Art Museum (at my college Alma Mater), and also has wares for sale across the nation.

Ed Edmo re-sparked my interest in the old stories. Most of the stories I know have come from his vast store of knowledge. I love sitting and listening to him.  He helps people become storytellers, and encourages them.

All three of these Native American artists encourage the younger generation to learn their crafts. Not only that, they encourage their students to share, and teach, the skills.

I owe so much to these lovely people. I look forward to seeing them again soon.

~Pícpic Tewlikítpe

Post-Script– sorry for the poor image quality, I am still learning how to work this camera.