By the Stream - Matted Print

11" x 14" Unframed Matted Decorative
(Fits standard 11" x 14" frame). Each item is packaged in an acid-free, resealable clear bag.

Bear (Mukwa) is an important clan figure to many of the First Peoples across North America. Among all the four-leggeds, Bear is often said to possess the most human-like qualities, having much to teach us about life and ourselves. In addition to the admirable quality of strength, Bear can often demonstrate great patience while waiting quietly by a stream’s edge, as in the picture, for the right moment to pluck a fish from a swirling current. Bear also has attributes that point toward the transcendent; such as Bear’s preference for honey that some believe represents a yearning for the sweetness of truth. We too, can find truth buried deep in the Tree of Life, where risk (bees!) sometimes also awaits. Bear’s winter retreat into the den bespeaks of the importance of introspection in our lives, reminding us to go into our own silent places -- including dreamtime -- to reflect and be reborn into a new season of life. 

The subject matter and style of artist Mark Nadjiwan is predominantly inspired by his First Nation heritage. He is a self-taught artist whose chosen medium is pen and ink and his unique style is primarily a “fusion” of the Woodland and Northwest Coast Native art traditions. In his work, one can often see the Woodland’s characteristic x-ray and wavy line motifs interwoven with the clean formlines and geometry that often typify Northwest Coast art. Mark’s work can be found in galleries and venues across Canada as well as private collections in both Canada and the United States. His First Nation roots are grounded in the Georgian Bay and Lake Superior Treaty regions. He lives in the traditional territory of the Anishnabek Nation, in Treaty 72,  along with his artist wife, Patricia Gray, who works in various acrylic mediums.