11" x 14" Unframed Matted Decorative
(Fits standard 11" x 14" frame). Each item is packaged in an acid-free, resealable clear bag.
Throughout history and even in modern times, the crane has held high stature in mythologies and cultures the world over. This includes the Anishinaabek Nation where the sandhill crane (Ajijaak) remains an important clan, and the one to which artist Mark Nadjiwan belongs. Ajijaak is one of two chieftain clans, along with Maang Dodem (Loon Clan). While the Loon Chiefs are tasked with communication within First Nation communities, Crane Chiefs are responsible for communicating with and summoning all those from outside the communities. This role is closely connected to the distinct and powerful call of Crane, which whether on land or in flight, can be heard for great distances. It is for this reason that Crane is also widely known as “the echo maker.” It is told that in the long-ago time, Crane’s powerful voice was relied upon to summon all the beings of the Great Lakes region to a Great Council. In this drawing, we can see the depiction of this leadership role, where the larger crane on the right strikes her majestic pose, while the crane in the smaller vignette above raises his head skyward to issue his clarion call.
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.