By Nabeeh Ndiaye
Photo by Kelly Mueller
Willow has had numerous creative and unique exhibits in the CAVA gallery, but the one in October by Erin Lee Antonak might be one of the most fascinating.The artist behind the work discussed her connection with her Oneida Nation and how her process and techniques are tied to her identity as a member of the Wolf Clan. Erin Lee Antonak’s pieces have stunned and impressed many students and staff with their captivating patterns and colors.
Antonak is an artist working out of New Orleans and a Wolf Clan member of the Oneida Indian Nation of New York. Her art is a visual manifestation of her relationship with her heritage. As she combines modern and traditional styles, she tells a story of her cultural past and present.
“I manipulate contemporary materials using ancient techniques,” Antonak says, “and use traditional materials in contemporary ways.”
Her art is an expression of not only herself but those who came before her. She uses her art to connect with her ancestry. “By doing this, I am creating a link,” Antonak says, “between myself and my ancestors. I look at my hands when I am working using traditional techniques and consider how they are the result of women’s hands working in the same way over thousands of years.”
Antonak’s art is also a way to understand her feelings towards certain Oneida philosophies. The Seven Generations Principle states that the choices a person makes will have an effect on their descendants seven generations in the future. Due to this, Antonak was creating her art with ancestors and descendants in mind. These philosophies that shaped her grandparents’ choices and actions are something that her art helps her navigate. She creates her art knowing that the way her grandparents decisions have affected her, in that same way, her decisions will affect her own children’s children.
It’s clear that Antonak’s art has been well received by the Willow family. Teachers seem to be fascinated by the artist’s use of texture and color.
“I feel it’s very engaging,” English II teacher Ms. Eshleman said, “and strangely serene.”
“I think that the pieces are very fascinating,” high school art teacher Ms. Mueller said, “and I’m in awe of her work.”
Teachers aren’t the only ones who find the exhibit interesting. Students are equally impressed. “The exhibit is fire,” sophomore Billy Braunig said.
“The art has personality,” said sophomore Akara Aung. “The textures and colors are very expressive.”
This exhibit was truly a sight for sore eyes, coming as it did with the cooler weather after the hottest summer on record. Art lovers of all stripes were completely blown away and came away calmed and feeling connected to something larger. The pieces evoked a unique feeling from every person who looks at it. The effort and creativity that the artist put into the pieces was clear to see.
