Articulations with Jared Tailfeathers

Come visit the Southern Alberta Art Gallery to see multidisciplinary Artist Jared Tailfeathers (Sikomh Kokomii - Calling Crane) from Kainai Nation read and share a few selections from his new book “The Art Of Making: Rediscovering the Blackfoot Legacy”, show some of his art, music, research photos, share copies of the book and talk about Blackfoot art history in the territory.

"A journey of growth and rediscovery. A chance as a colonized Blackfoot person to get to know who I am culturally, historically, and literally within the boundaries of my traditional territory. I want to help connect old names and practices to old places. Exploration of the evidence of art and methods of making that are still on the land as part of my cultural connection, and contextualizing those methods into my contemporary practice.

I focused this desire into a multi-year project that included contemporary art and research that became the book "The Art of Making: Rediscovering the Blackfoot Legacy Vol 1", the research is framed as a narrative of personal discovery and community connection. The book also documents the creation of contemporary multidisciplinary art (music, luthiery, sculpture, painting, toolmaking and instrument making), and resources found at important sites based on traditional land use. Timelines that flesh out the story of Canada from pre-contact to the present day. Relationships with the animals, resources, and with neighboring Indigenous Nations and settler communities. How all of these events and relationships influenced the methods of making pre-contact to the present day."

Jared Tailfeathers is an award-winning multidisciplinary artist, musician, author, curator, and inventor. His work deals with Indigenous Treaty 7 Art, history, promotion, and sustainability, including public art, design, and public discussions.