Visual storytelling can be a picture, a painting, a documentary or a plate of stunning food. It can also be a bent cedar box. Meet James Michels – an acclaimed Cree/Metis storyteller who is amongst the best in the world at creating unique, carved cedar artwork. Having bridged the gaps in his knowledge by apprenticing with the acclaimed Coast Salish artist Joseph Campbell, and studying master artists at the K’san Native Art School, his work can be found in galleries across the pacific northwest, each telling the story of the land that brings together people and nature. His art has been commissioned by everyone from the Canadian government to the PGA, and purchased by the likes of former US President Bill Clinton and musical legend Joni Mitchell.
So, how did a kid from Merritt, BC, who never loved school, become a globally celebrated visual storyteller? James invited us to his home – and his studio – to share his story.
What do you think?
- How can we do a better job of finding the elders in our community that will help us learn what we don’t know?
- How important is it to get out of our comfort zone?
- How critical is it to admit what we don’t know?
- Why does art matter to you?
- How can art and visual storytelling help us understand different cultures and find a better balance between people and nature?