Phonecam selfie July 2023
Anishnaabemowin formal introduction:
Boozhoo, Aanii, Ozaawi-Miigwan n'dzhinikaaz, Ma'iingan n'doodem, Michigan n'doonjiba.
Anishinaabe minwaa Haudenosaunee n'daaw. Odaawa, Ojibwe minwaa Seneca n'daaw.
Waganakising Odaawa n'dadibendaagwaz.
Gary Andress n'dazhaaganaashii-noozwin aawan.
Mazinibii'igewinini n'doonaangzhe.
Mii sa wi, miigwetch!
Hello, my name is Gary L. Andress but I also have what non-natives refer to as an "Indian name". In the language and tradition of the Anishinaabek, my native name is Ozaawi-Miigwan. Pronounced phonetically you say Oh-zaw-wih-Mee-Gwahn. This can be translated as Yellow-Feather in English or Plume Jaune/La Plume Jaune en Français. I am a visual artist from Michigan, U.S.A and a tribal citizen of Waganakising Odawak, also known as Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. I create paintings, sculpture, modern traditional native cultural artwork and fine art photographs.
Artist Statement
The native peoples of the Eastern Woodlands have a unique perspective shaped by the shared experience of forced assimilation, suppression of our culture, and misrepresentation and fetishization in modern North American society. Our worldview is also molded, nurtured and sustained, even in modern times, by our strong connection to the Earth Mother, Shkagamik-kwe, along with all of creation and deep-rooted spirituality and mysticism. We let our dreams guide us through life and our ancestors walk beside us. We commune with nature and call on sacred clan and spirit animals when we need aid. We make offerings to honor them and our ancestors and honor each day as a gift of The Great Mystery, Kitchi Manitou. Many of my artworks are inspired and influenced by my Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee culture and the legends, spiritual practices, and traditions of our people.