Art Card Mark Nadjiwan By The Stream

Bear (Mukwa) is an important clan figure to many of the First Peoples across Turtle Island. 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 are predominantly inspired by his First Nation heritage. He is a self-taught artist, working in pen and ink.

                         The Artist and the Art
Mark's work can be found in galleries and venues across Canada as well as private collections. His First Nation roots are in the Georgian Bay and Lake Superior regions, and he is a member of Neyaashiinigmiing Unceded First Nation. He continues to live in the Anishinabek homelands, Treaty 72 territory, with his artist wife Patricia Gray.