ARTIST PROFILE
Zoey Wood-Salomon
The
art of Zoey Wood-Salomon a painter in the traditional Woodland
style that reflects her Odawa-Ojibwa heritage. The originality of her paintings are marked by a combination of everyday experiences around her and the traditional legends of her heritage. Zoey is a self-taught artist. Also figuring heavily in her work is her own spiritual odyssey as a Christian. Says Zoey, "For a long time I was lost. I tried to blend into the dominant society but I never found a place where I felt good about myself. My Creator in His great love for me saw this and He opened up a way for me to get back in touch with who I am and where I come from. Today He is leading me gently back to my culture, my heritage and my people. He has done this through my art. My art and faith have become integral parts of my self discovery. When I paint, I Pray. I find I get very dissatisfied with myself when I do not paint because I pray better when I paint; and so, if I am not painting I am not praying."
Today Zoey and her husband Jim have made Bawating - the Rapids - Sault Ste. Marie their landing spot; their home. Together they have six grown children and many grandchildren. Jim is Zoey's greatest supporter. Says Zoey, "My family is very important to me. They have always believed in me, in my capabilities. They are part of my Sacred Circle. Gifts from God." |
Zoey has been involved in a number of international, national and provincial art shows. In addition to this her she has been commissioned to do work in Canada and the United States and a play (“The Future is R’s”) has been inspired by her 1991 Calendar “Sacred Earth.”
Zoey is currently engaged in creating a program brochure for the Michigan State University College of Law: Indigenous Law and Policy Center.
Zoey will be in the Arts Council ArtSpace in the Station
Mall May 7 – 14 and July 23 – 30. Attend to see some of
her inspiring work and to pick-up your own original work painted
by this internationally acclaimed artist. The ArtSpace is located
next to Bennardo’s Jewelers. May 16 – 18 she will
be participating in the Duluth Minnesota Language Symposium III which
features the Dakota and Ojibwa languages. July 6,7, and 8 she
will be involved in the “4 and Friends” art show in Bruce
Mines
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