Pisces Visions
Everything I create I aim to exemplify my thoughts on how our humanity exists within this world, emotions about my relationships with others, perceptions of energy in all things and the constant acceptance into balance. As I learn about my own path I blend my traditional knowledge with everyday living experience and somehow try to connect with that ancestral wisdom that I see us all having within and around.
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Full Spectrum, 2022-2023
by Drew Michael
This mural was created to bring color to the beige city of Anchorage. The image is based on a contemporary Yup’ik mask titled Full Spectrum.
Artist Statement: Since I make masks full-time, I felt it was important to showcase the transformational aspect of masks while visually changing the space in downtown Anchorage. The colors in the mask share the full spectrum of light broken up and scattered across the face. Just like the variety of colors in the mural and mask, our community is made up of so many types of people from many different places and backgrounds. Our strength is in the diversity found within our community. We shine brighter when our people stand together.
Part of an Anchorage downtown mural project coordinated by the Anchorage Museum. Support provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency, CIRI, and The Kobuk.
www.drewmichael.art
@drewmuk
| S | M | L | XL | 2XL | 3XL | 4XL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Width, in | 19.02 | 20.51 | 22.01 | 24.02 | 26.02 | 27.99 | 30.00 |
| Length, in | 27.99 | 29.02 | 30.00 | 31.02 | 32.01 | 32.99 | 34.02 |
| Sleeve length, in | 7.48 | 7.87 | 8.27 | 8.66 | 9.06 | 9.45 | 9.84 |
This premium fitted short sleeve is a classic choice that is both comfy and light. The high quality print adds a statement to one’s workout or everyday routine.
.: The unisex cotton crew tee comes with a light fabric (4.3 oz/yd² (146 g/m²)) making it an excellent all-season choice. Made with 100% combed, ring-spun cotton for long-lasting comfort.
.: Fabric blends: Heather colors - 90% cotton, 10% polyester
.: The classic fit along with the crew neckline provide a timeless style with neat looks that are perfect for accessorizing. This means it’s a highly versatile choice for both casual and semi-formal events.
Water’s Edge
Water is life. We come from water and Earth. In this show, I want to bring us to the water’s edge to appreciate and honor, the spirits of water, animals, and land. I was born a mirror twin in the month of March near the Kuskokwim River in Bethel, AK and I have always felt a connection to bodies of water. In many communities around the world people live by some form of water whether it be a river, lake or the ocean. In these places where the water and the land meet many things transform. Life comes to existence. And life is taken away. And just as the ebb and flow of the water, our lives are transformed and changed as things come in and out. The Yup’ik people of Western, Alaska believe that everything has spirit and in this time we must honor and protect the waters that we so rely on for subsistence and our ways of life. I hope are able you look into the spirits represented here and you can take the time to remember the importance of water, and protecting the lands that they connect to, and the animals that live within and around.
Yup’ik masks have been used for centuries to connect us to the spirits that live in the waters, animals, and lands around us. We rely on these animals to give themselves to us when we hunt, fish, or gather. As a person wears a mask they embodied the spirit that is represented on that mask.
During times before colonial or outside influences, many masks would be created and worn in pairs or multiples. As they were collected these pairs were separated and dispersed around the world to many museums or private collections. Many of the pieces in the show were created in pairs to share the importance of these twins or partners and their relationships between each other and ourselves. This aspect of mask wearing would create a relationship between the spirits and foil the personalities of the spirits. Traditionally people would gather from the whole community and have a song and dance that accompanies the mask as it is being worn. With the storytelling, we are able to send prayers to the spirits and spirit world.
Often times these masks would experience a transformation physically by being changed through elements like water, earth, fire, or leaving it out on the land to decompose naturally. As a mask went through a transformation through an element, we hoped and prayed that we would have a spiritual transformation as well. In a way giving an offering to the spirits.
My hope is that as you look at these masks and other objects in this show, you will see the spirits and consider giving your own offering.