Knowledge From Land
Artist Statement
Knowledge From Land
An Exhibition of Work by Salisha Old Bull
“The basic idea of place-based education and its connection to traditional ecological knowledge is uncanny. Many Indigenous people once depended solely on their environment in reciprocal manner and this was how people were educated. Each person acquired a strength and skill set and most people had an educated connection to the land. This land is what gives a person a strong sense of self-identity. Being grounded allows a person to go forward in life and continue to grow intellectually and explore beyond their basic needs. By evoking this motivation to solidify personal, tribal self-identity, I feel that artistry can empower individuals and empower and motivate them to seek more land knowledge—traditional ecological knowledge. Depicting imagery, related to traditional ecological knowledge through painting, photography and textile work would express the significance of this concept as well as the motivation to continue to pass on tradition.”
Salisha Old Bull (Salish/Crow) is an Indigenous artist based in Montana. She creates a diverse array of art genres but has an affinity to beadwork. She obtained her formal education at the University of Montana and recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Art. Artistry has been something of a culmination of her academic studies over the years, combined with my love for my Bitterroot Salish cultural values and practices. During her time in higher education, one of the best moments was learning about place-based education and its interesting relevance to Indigenous ways of knowing. She previously resided with her two sons and husband on the Flathead Indian Reservation, but recently relocated to Vancouver, Canada.
Instagram @salishabull