Zhaawano Giizhik is a non-commercial artist and a cultural knowledge keeper with mixed heritage who uses the vibrant visual language of the Woodland School style to tell the ancient and ongoing stories of his ancestors, the Baawitigowinini Anishinaabeg from Upper Michigan. He is not just a painter but a storyteller, educator, and artisan dedicated to preserving and sharing Anishinaabe culture through his work.

 

Zhaawano Giizhik is a member of the Waabizheshi warrior and hunter clan. Clan identity is a fundamental aspect of Anishinaabe social structure and informs Zhaawano's artistic perspective. His art is deeply narrative. Each piece is inspired by and illustrates Anishinaabe stories, legends, spiritual beliefs, and history. His work delves into the profound connections between humans, spirits, nature, and animals, reflecting the wisdom of his ancestors.

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A central tenet of his work is the concept of "Gwayakochigewin," which he translates as "doing something the right way." This means creating art that is culturally authentic, respectful, and informed by genuine Anishinaabe knowledge and traditions, rather than creating for purely commercial or outside expectations.

 

Beyond being a visual artist, Zhaawano is also:

· A Writer and Blogger: He writes extensively on this website and blog about Anishinaabe art, culture, history, and the meanings behind his own work. He is an educator who uses his writing to share knowledge.

· A non-commercial Jewelry Maker: He creates unique jewelry pieces that serve as storytelling mediums, often in sterling silver, gold, and stones, and incorporating the same storytelling and symbolic motifs found in his paintings. By utilizing line drawings as teaching tools, he shares ancient stories that resonate across generations.

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​Zhaawano's art and storytelling are a reflection of his personal dreams and life experiences, capturing a range of moods and emotions. Drawing inspiration from his personal dreams, Zhaawano's art and narratives carry the essence of Anishinaabe izhitwaawin (Ojibwe tradition), inviting universal appreciation and understanding. Central to his work is a deep connection to Ojibwe mazinaajimowinan, the ancient pictographs crafted by his Anishinaabe ancestors. These enigmatic drawings, found on riverbanks and in birch bark scrolls, inspire and influence his creative journey, weaving a rich tapestry of cultural heritage into each piece. Through his art, Zhaawano pays homage to the legacy of his ancestors while sharing his own unique voice with the world.

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Geget, Zhaawano's storytelling through word and image results from, and humbly aims at reflecting, the deep kinship he feels with the land his ancestors once walked on and the culture and language they fostered.

 

Biindigen, welcome to this website, which is essentially a modern, digital storytelling Lodge. Come in and see for yourself how deeply the countless teachings and stories that you will find in here are rooted in Anishinaabe Aki -- that ancestral land of boreal forests and freshwater lakes that Zhaawano's ancestors called home. He is delighted to share his stories, artwork, and language lessons with you!