The Native American Arts and Crafts Market (NAACM) in Eugene held its first market of the 2024 season on July 7 at the Farmers Market Pavilion. The event attracted numerous vendors from diverse indigenous backgrounds, each showcasing and selling their unique creations. Eugene’s Native American Arts and Crafts Market Kicks Off 2024 Season
Heather Johnston, a vendor at NAACM, captivated visitors with her intricately designed spirit masks. “I do a lot of diverse stuff. I sculpt my masks out of clay, hand paint them, and then adorn them with rabbit fur and a little jute cord,” Johnston explained. “They’re little spirit masks, kind of like a guardian or an Alaska dream catcher if you will.”
Johnston, who hails from Southeast Alaska with Unangan and Alutiiq ancestry, has been a full-time artist living in Dallas, Oregon since 2010. She regularly sells her artwork at various markets, including those in Phoenix and Santa Fe. Her larger masks were particularly popular and sold quickly at the start of the day.
“My journey as an artist began in kindergarten when I took my crayons to recess and created a mural on the school wall. My punishment was to clean it off, but my parents knew right then and there that I was destined to be an artist,” Johnston recalled.
Her artistic inspiration comes from her father, Don Johnston, a master basket weaver and carver. At the market, Johnston was joined by her daughter, continuing the family tradition of artistic expression. “I have seven kids, and many of them are inspired to be artists too. It’s really spectacular,” she said.
Johnston offers a wide variety of art, including ledger-style maps, sheet music, hymnals, and paintings with acrylics and oils. Some of her most impressive works are created with ink. “I draw with pens, so any of my masks are all freehand with ink,” Johnston noted.
Another talented artist at the market, Erika Lincango, is a Bilingual Bicultural Teacher at the 4J School District and an indigenous Ecuadorian artist with Quitu Panzaleo heritage. Her brand, “Sisa Achik” — Kichwa for “flower light” — features environmentally inspired artwork.
“As soon as I was able to speak English, I started sharing my crafts with the community,” Lincango said. “I was part of the Saturday Market before, and also the Latino Market many months ago. Now, I’m part of the Native American Market.”
Lincango draws inspiration from the eucalyptus forests of Quito and the Tsa’chila rainforests she visits. “During my time here, I’ve been interested in sharing a little bit of my culture through my crafting,” she shared. “The crafts that I’m sharing here feature a lot of tropical seeds and organic fibers.”
One of her favorite materials is tawa seeds, also known as tagua, which are known for their ivory-like appearance and carving potential. Despite the challenge of transporting seeds across international borders, Lincango supports native artisans by purchasing beads made from tawa seeds to use in her work. “Everything that you see is a part of the forest,” she said, showcasing a piece of jewelry made from coconut.
Lincango’s jewelry reflects a wide range of natural influences, including butterfly wings and eucalyptus that still carries its distinctive scent.
The NAACM will continue to feature talented vendors like Johnston and Lincango every first Sunday of the month from July through December. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore and purchase the extraordinary work of these and other gifted artists at the upcoming markets
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Source: https://dailyemerald.com/100108/uncategorized/two-indigenous-artists-share-their-work/
