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SPRING 2024 — ORIGINS ISSUE
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On the cover
The print cover of the spring issue features artwork from Michigan artist Alan Compo
ARTIST STATEMENT BY ALAN COMPO
I am an Anishinaabek Artist from the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians, and Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa. I create paintings of the stories, culture and Circles I’ve grown up within. Since the beginning of my art-making career, these stories have always found their voice within my work. These connected Circles within Circles that tell stories of living art, and lessons to be found.
I start with an idea of one of these stories, and allow it to branch out into baskets, floral patterns, and, in essence, its own Spirit. I use color and patterns other Anishinaabek may recognize as being a part of Our stories.
These stories and patterns are not mine alone. They are created with the many Circles of Anishinaabek, family and Spirit that have helped me bring them out, within my way of creating. My work allows me to be apart of that voice of our land, and its multilayered narrative.
Ngushe Aki, “Mother Earth,” was created to tell a story of beginning, strength, and growth. I want my art to be another extension of the viewer’s Circles, and for them to be inspired, learn, and ask questions.
![The cover of the spring 2024 magazine. In the corner is a white GVM and the text 'Grand Valley Magazine.' A profile of a woman looking off into the distance. Behind her is a sky filled with stars and water lapping up on the shore of a turtle shell (turtle island). Her hair mergest with blue, orange and white flowers, berries and a feather and beaded turtle.](./files/shorthand/tbrFtJNBXj/assets/Xzi6S5dL7k/homepage2-4096x2048.jpg)
On the cover
The print cover of the spring issue features artwork from Michigan artist Alan Compo
ARTIST STATEMENT BY ALAN COMPO
I am an Anishinaabek Artist from the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians, and Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa. I create paintings of the stories, culture and Circles I’ve grown up within. Since the beginning of my art-making career, these stories have always found their voice within my work. These connected Circles within Circles that tell stories of living art, and lessons to be found.
I start with an idea of one of these stories, and allow it to branch out into baskets, floral patterns, and, in essence, its own Spirit. I use color and patterns other Anishinaabek may recognize as being a part of Our stories.
These stories and patterns are not mine alone. They are created with the many Circles of Anishinaabek, family and Spirit that have helped me bring them out, within my way of creating. My work allows me to be apart of that voice of our land, and its multilayered narrative.
Ngushe Aki, “Mother Earth,” was created to tell a story of beginning, strength, and growth. I want my art to be another extension of the viewer’s Circles, and for them to be inspired, learn, and ask questions.
![The cover of the spring 2024 magazine. In the corner is a white GVM and the text 'Grand Valley Magazine.' A profile of a woman looking off into the distance. Behind her is a sky filled with stars and water lapping up on the shore of a turtle shell (turtle island). Her hair mergest with blue, orange and white flowers, berries and a feather and beaded turtle.](./files/shorthand/tbrFtJNBXj/assets/ZhdK1bNyTn/homepagecoveragain2-4096x3072.jpg)