FROM THE APRIL 2005 LEGEND
Jaime Warn is a practising artist, graduate student and the guest curator behind the Nana’b’oozoo in Progress exhibition that’s running in the Helen Christou Gallery until April 15.
This multi-talented member of the Chippewa of the Thames First Nation in southern Ontario began studying at the U of L in 1998. After earning a BFA in art in 2000 and a BA in Native American studies in 2002, Warn is currently completing a master of arts in Native American studies.
Nana’b’oozoo in Progress features work by Warn as well as pieces from the U of L Art Collection and the Native American Studies Department Collection. She describes Nana’b’oozoo as the traditional trickster in the Chippewa’s oral stories. The trickster character is always in progress because he exists in a continuum without a conclusive ending.
“The trickster is often referred to as a clown or fool, but at the same time he is also sacred and may be a creator or re-creator,” says Warn. “His errors teach the people about some of the funny things that happen in life. Although the stories may have a humorous tone, the underlying messages can be very serious.”
The lighthearted tradition of the trickster is evident in the pieces that Warn selected for the exhibition.
“Although Native art has a connotation of always being serious or mystic, we also have humour and a sense of playfulness in our work. The other artists’ intent might not have been directly related to the trickster, but I see qualities that relate to the character within their works,” she says.
Warn believes that the trickster’s traditional lessons still hold true today. “I think the trickster can be utilized by First Nations people to learn how to laugh at the things around us and view the harsh realities of life with a lighter heart,” says Warn. “Laughter is good medicine, and the trickster can teach us as he always has.”
The exhibition’s reception was held on March 30 as part of the Native Awareness Week honouring Native women. Warn is a member of the Native American Students Association that presented Native Awareness Week and a sessional instructor in the department.
Warn has not finalized her career goals, but she knows that art will continue to be an important part of her life. “I decided to do what I enjoy and learn in a visual way. I’m still in that process of enjoying the ride and following my dreams,” she says.
She also anticipates returning to Chippewa of the Thames First Nation to share her experiences with her people. “Amethyst First Rider (Native American Studies) once told me that non-Native children leave home to find out who they are, but Native children have to come home to find out who they are. I guess I will return home one day and apply what I have learned here,” says Warn.
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U of L Communications and Public Relations Contact:
Bob Cooney, Communications and PR Officer (403) 382-7173
Jaime Warn is a practising artist, graduate student and the guest curator behind the Nana’b’oozoo in Progress exhibition that’s running in the Helen Christou Gallery until April 15.
This multi-talented member of the Chippewa of the Thames First Nation in southern Ontario began studying at the U of L in 1998. After earning a BFA in art in 2000 and a BA in Native American studies in 2002, Warn is currently completing a master of arts in Native American studies.
Nana’b’oozoo in Progress features work by Warn as well as pieces from the U of L Art Collection and the Native American Studies Department Collection. She describes Nana’b’oozoo as the traditional trickster in the Chippewa’s oral stories. The trickster character is always in progress because he exists in a continuum without a conclusive ending.
“The trickster is often referred to as a clown or fool, but at the same time he is also sacred and may be a creator or re-creator,” says Warn. “His errors teach the people about some of the funny things that happen in life. Although the stories may have a humorous tone, the underlying messages can be very serious.”
The lighthearted tradition of the trickster is evident in the pieces that Warn selected for the exhibition.
“Although Native art has a connotation of always being serious or mystic, we also have humour and a sense of playfulness in our work. The other artists’ intent might not have been directly related to the trickster, but I see qualities that relate to the character within their works,” she says.
Warn believes that the trickster’s traditional lessons still hold true today. “I think the trickster can be utilized by First Nations people to learn how to laugh at the things around us and view the harsh realities of life with a lighter heart,” says Warn. “Laughter is good medicine, and the trickster can teach us as he always has.”
The exhibition’s reception was held on March 30 as part of the Native Awareness Week honouring Native women. Warn is a member of the Native American Students Association that presented Native Awareness Week and a sessional instructor in the department.
Warn has not finalized her career goals, but she knows that art will continue to be an important part of her life. “I decided to do what I enjoy and learn in a visual way. I’m still in that process of enjoying the ride and following my dreams,” she says.
She also anticipates returning to Chippewa of the Thames First Nation to share her experiences with her people. “Amethyst First Rider (Native American Studies) once told me that non-Native children leave home to find out who they are, but Native children have to come home to find out who they are. I guess I will return home one day and apply what I have learned here,” says Warn.
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U of L Communications and Public Relations Contact:
Bob Cooney, Communications and PR Officer (403) 382-7173