David R. Maracle
artist statement
Sculpture | Originals in Stone | Music
Tehanenia’kwe:tarons – Cutter of Stone - David R. Maracle
INDIGENOUS
ROOTS/HISTORY
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David R Maracle (Tehanenia'kwe:tarons) of the Bear Clan, was born the
seventh son of Andrew C. Maracle (Mohawk, Turtle Clan) and Lillian J. Maracle
(Scottish, Bruce Clan) and lived his first 10 years of life on the Akwesasne
Mohawk Reserve, St. Regis New York. David has a deep understanding and
appreciation for his Mohawk Haudenosaunee roots; Sitting with, listening to his
Indigenous Elders has been the biggest inspiration in David's life. He
attributes many of his accomplishments to his parents; Andrew, a respected
Mohawk Elder, an International speaker/lecturer on Indigenous issues, rights
and struggles, and David’s mother Lillian was also very inspirational as an
accomplished author, poet, musician, artist, and craftswoman.
- David has always been a strong advocate regarding Indigenous rights, language,
education; he continues to take an active role in educating people through his
Art, Music, and Workshops. David, like his father, has lived on the Tyendinaga
Mohawk Territory for over 50 years. David is an Entrepreneurial spirit like his
parents, and has worked his business on the Territory since 1985. In 2009 he opened very successful Gallery/Café
and it ran for nine years of running. It was time to change things up, as
David’s career in the Music Industry began to take him overseas. David and his
wife Kimberly decided to morph the business into a very successful Air BnB Adults
Retreat with 4 Unique Cabins in a private courtyard. This property is nestled
alongside the Beautiful shores of Kentekeh (Bay of Quinte). A Getaway
destination with Adults in mind for Rest, Relaxation and Rejuvenation. People
from around the world come to experience first hand the rich culture of the
Mohawk People of Thyendinaga - Kentekeh during their stay on the property and
enjoy the peace and tranquility the land has to offer.
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Project – Artist Statement
“I, David R. Maracle, Bear Clan of the Mohawks
of the Bay of Quinte, would thoroughly enjoy and be so honored to be a
part of an Indigenous theme based Sculpture installation in regards to Acknowledging
our ancestors, our rich indigenous culture of Turtle Island (Canada/US/North America)
the Seven Generations and our Creator of the natural world!!!
“It is always an honor when asked to
create original masterpieces for different events, or as gifts for dignitaries,
or a monumental art piece. It is very
important to me as an Indigenous Artist to always take the time to be thankful
for all the cultural teachings, legends, and stories that has been carefully
and orally handed down to me. It is my
responsibility (responding to my abilities) that will help in conveying
something of such importance and magnitude; it must and will touch the hearts
and minds of those who are seeing the Art. With this in mind, I like to
approach my raw materials with the mindset of love, respect, honesty, and an
appreciation for all life and a strong thankfulness to the Creator for allowing
our Indigenous people to have the incredible ability to convey the strong cultural
Indigenous teachings and messages through our Art.
“This is why I like to smudge (cedar/sage/sweetgrass/tobacco)
my stones, my tools myself, and put my traditional Semma/tobacco down by our
waters, and send prayers up to Creator, to help open my creative eye, my third
eye; I take time with the stones, study them, look at what they have to reveal
to me before I indulge in releasing my mind to work in conjunction with nature,
and ‘Spirit’ who will dictate to me what it (the stone) needs to be, and how I
will work with it to convey that deep and powerful message that needs to be
seen and heard by all….
“When an opportunity like this (to create
a larger than life sculpture for all to see) when it arises in my life, I love
to go ‘all out’ with the unveiling of my masterpiece that will represent our beautiful
ancestral heritage and teachings. Being a multi-Instrumentalist, the unveiling
of such a piece would entail a performance piece with my rare world instruments,
accompanied by my musicians on a stage, during a special evening gala. I would appreciate that this would be
incorporated into the unveiling of any masterpiece that you would be unveiling. Music & Art is the Medicine. Just another chance at showing the beauty of
our Indigenous music & culture to be highlighted with a monumental
unveiling. These are also reconciliatory
acts that bring a very positive light into the awareness of the Truth & Reconciliation Calls to Action, and a very positive way to show who we are as a Nation
of Indigenous Peoples – Onkwehonweh (Original Peoples).
Niawen'ko:wa
(a BIG thank you)
Tehanenia'kwe:tarons - David R. Maracle
CONTACT US AT NATIVE EXPRESSIONS
We love flexibility! So please don’t be shy and reach out to us with your requests or if you have inquiries. We can help build a tentative proposal for Concerts, Traditional Workshops and Special Events for grant applications!
If you have questions on a carving, a special "One of a Kind" gift, or a CONCERT booking, performance, workshop, sound therapy session, or traditional Indigenous storytelling, please get in touch with us.
Anything we offer can be catered to your request; from large functions to intimate small groups, private or corporate services; we can create a high quality Indigenous experience for you.
contact us at 613-391-5132, or via email at DavidRMaracle@aol.com
