Aboriginal - Girls Action Foundation

48 Koren Smoke
“Jingle Dress Dancer” 2009
Acrylic and India ink on pre-stretched 6’’x 36’’ canvas.
I am a young Aboriginal artist born and raised in the Southern Ontario
reserve of Alderville First Nation. Being status First Nation half Ojibway, I’m
lucky to have been taught the few teachings and language I do know. So, I am
always interested in attending community events and traditional activities.
I enjoy expressing artistic views and discussing different artwork forms as
well. Being able to share opinions and experiences openly with anyone, to
me is very freeing.
Leadership
By Koren Smoke - Artist Statement
Leadership is a management skill. To be a leader is to have the ability to inspire a group
of people toward a common goal. As endless as the task may sometimes seem, I’ll
always be encouraging the people around me to help make this world a better place.
My art piece ‘Jingle Dress Dancer’ I feel expresses my opinion on some of these topics.
Trying to grab the viewers’ attention into the painting with the short story I wrote during
a storm, and compelling them to put themselves in the experience of seeing someone
else’s opinion. Creating a strong emphasis on the Jingle Dress Dancer’s empowering
embrace with lightning appearing to hit her feathers, which she’s holding high giving
thanks to the creator, I tried to influence the audience to consider her tenacity. I wrote
the short story sitting outside during a stormy /sunny day and the words just came to
me, I was writing it as the storm was happening right in front of me. Here’s how it goes;
The storm is now growing in strength. The rain a sound of medicinal cleansing. I can now
hear rhythmic jingles. I close my eyes and focus on the sounds.
The thunder roars with the beat of the jingles. Now, a combination of beautiful music by