Wneewa is a Mahegin word.  Simply translated it means, “I thank you.” The Mahegins are part of my Algonquin ancestors who I connect to through my mother and our Grandmothers. The Mahegins have mostly returned to dust and their language is almost forgotten, so, it pleases me to offer wneewa to the winds today, in gratitude. Wneewa is a “thought word” which conveys a sense of All that is NOT me; the Whole that contains You. You/I merge with thanks in a single thought; wneewa. This fills me with such satisfaction.  Sometimes I imagine a world that my ancestors took for granted where in thanks we are inseparable. Could it be so simple?

This year we honor Raven

Arts Alive is an annual celebration of the arts and of artists. The whole town of La Conner participates. Artists come to demonstrate their craft.

I will be at  Earthenworks Gallery, 713 First Street, La Conner, Washington, on November 8 from Noon to 4:00 pm.

Growing up on a Salish reservation, Raven was a prominent character in the stories of my youth.  It was some years later that I stumbled onto the stories of my aboriginal Swedish ancestors. Remarkably the stories are very similar.

The town of La Conner is adjacent to the Swinomish Reservation so I will leave the telling of NW Coast stories in their able hands. What I will be sharing are stories of White Raven who flies in the skies around my home, and how in ancient time she rode on the left shoulder of Hel before the land went behind the ice. The myths say she is the harbinger of the new age when man will once again walk the path of harmony and beauty.

On Sunday November 8, we are unveiling my new projects at Earthenworks; Talismans of porcelain and stones joined with porcelain. These objects with the symbols of the past for healing, creativity and wholeness, have grown out of my interest in the myths and stories of my ancestors and are meant to be worn or set in a special spot.

There will be paintings too, of course.

In the “time outside of time” the treewomen were in a union with Raven.

And the Eldi, the Scandinavian Tree Women protected the light through the darkness.

White Raven & the Tree of Life: Porcelain & stone

Talismans and stones

Heaven’s Door :  20″ x 20″ framed Watercolour / Lacquer on paper, collage elements

Eldi : 44″ 41″ framed, Watercolour / Lacquer on paper, collage elements

click any image to enlarge

The artists of Joshua Tree once again throw open the doors to their studios and welcome the public. Over the years the event has mushroomed into something huge. The valley’s towns are filled with events; music, live theater and more, nearly everyone participates. 
This year two friends, exceptional artists, join me at my studio for both weekends. It’s bound to be fun. I hope some of you find your feet pointed in our direction.

~~~
October 24- October 25

October 31- November 1

Ellen Hill   Painting & Porcelain Jewelry

Ellie Tyler  Photography

Virginia Louise Akin (aka Dali Mama)  Original Textiles and Design

Maps are available locally. My studio is very close to the entrance to Joshua Tree National Park. Other inquiries? Leave a comment. Click any image to enlarge.

Friends, food, paintings poetry…
Images from the Opening last Sunday.  

29 Palms Gallery

September 30 - October 26

Artist’s reception  October 4 Noon - 3PM

What endures

what is blown away

becomes the Shape of time

Long lines of poetry

etched in pale canyons

twisting in the shadow walls

……………echo………..echo