Marie Watt Studio

 

Represented by PDX Contemporary Art (Portland)
and Greg Kucera Gallery (Seattle)

• Workcourse, 1995—
• Lifecourse
• News
• Criticism, press

Engine

I am interested in how storytelling is ancient and modern. Engine uses one of the oldest fibers known to man – felted wool – to create a cave-like structure, with two chambers: Petroglyph Hall (with hand prints of those who contributed to the making of the project) and the Engine Core which is complete with stalactites, stalagmites, and integrated seating. If there are three or more people within the core, it is likely they will be sitting in a circle, a typical formation where stories are shared/conveyed/exchanged. In this space, a cycle of Indigenous storytellers appear in the form of a projected hologram on various areas of the cave wall. The stories that are shared have been passed on to each storyteller, giving them the right to share the story. These are storytellers who I grew up listening to and learning from a kid attending title IX Indian Education Programs in the Pacific Northwest’s urban Indian Community. Coincidentally, my mom was an Indian Education Specialist for 27 years. The use of hologram-like projection is a nod to my youth and the Star Wars Trilogy which marked that time. I am interested in how the teachings in the stories I’ve included, similarly address the force of good and evil in the world and the role of humans and community in this web of life.

Storytellers

Elaine Grinnell
Jamestown S’Klallam and Lummi Tribes
Mouse and Language

Roger Fernandes
Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe
Little Girl/Raising Sky;
Raven and Light

Johnny Moses
Tulalip Tribe
Octopus Lady and The Crow;
Bear and Aunt Woman