babbling Babs...

Last evening I attended a potluck supper with a group of acquaintances who serve on our local art committees. The discussion turned to a suggestion by one of the committee members for using some of the dead trees in this locale for art projects - 'totem poles' to be exact. The idea is to make tree trunks available to anyone interested in turning the trunks into art objects, a la 'totem poles,' which would then be installed locally in a town whose economy is largely driven by tourism.

But then the caveat was put forth that if we even hint at 'Indian art' objects we would leave ourselves open for criticism at best, and more activist protests at worst from those who view any 'white person' creating 'Indian' art as a fraud, exploiter, forger, etc etc.

I really am enthused by the 'idea' behind this project, which could drag all sorts of non-artists into participation. So my suggestion to the committee was for calling this project something like 'enchanted forest.' I am very saddened to feel that anything we might do could be construed as being insulting to Native Americans.

What do you think?

A name that is very ethnically neutral will make the project above criticism. Try 'Hard, Phallic Wood Sky Bangers.'

Jane

I think the 'caveat' is a good one - but disappointing in that I didn't read an effort was made to invite said Americans into the project.

Could have been a great opp for both groups concerned.

One Australian town planted some trees along its main road after WWI - One tree for each townsman who died in the war. Recently the trees started dieing so they carved the trunks into images of the soldiers they represented.