Introduction
Hello, My Name is Justina Wassillie.
This is my first time using a blog post, I am from the lower regions of Bethel and moved here at the end of 2014, so I have lived here for ten years. As I lived in the river near Bethel, I was surrounded by an area full of art. For example, In my traditional dancing, we would wear accessories full of beadwork, gloves with fur and beadwork, and a headdress with a Qasp'aq. Even though with the traditional dancing, in these dances back in the days, they would wear mask carvings of their art. These masks were indicated to change the weather and grant good fortune to their lives, and even the villages.
Yupik people, Complex Mask 1890-1905.
Fun Fact: This Mask belonged to my great-great-great Grandfather from my dad's side, his name was Guzma Wasili. He was a shaman, from what my dad told me this was used to change the weather, he would use this mask outside and start traditionally dancing outside to get out the bad weather. But nowadays in my village, just wear some traditional clothes, dance fans, Pillugaqs (Mukluks), and gloves if you don't have any dance fans.
When I was younger, my favorite subject would be Art since it was a creative way to show your work. I would enjoy learning more about art, as I would draw, color, paint, and other subjects. As I got older, I would still enjoy art but the only thing I would do is draw. It wouldn't be as I was younger but I am still interested in art since I find it more fascinating to see people's work in action, as well as myself. I am hoping in this class I will be able to see my creativity through these blogs and maybe open out a different sense of artwork.
AFN 2015 - Anchorage Ak
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ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful film footage for the dance performance. I do video editing 3-4 days a week, so I am extremely appreciative of all the editing and double camera work that went into that news footage.
ReplyDeleteI grew up not far from Bethel. One of our masks looks similar of the middle part. I think the Camai Festival is coming up (I am sorry if I spelled it wrong). Have you ever gone to see it or participate in it?
ReplyDeleteBeading is amazing. I have been experimenting with beads and painting.
Hi Justina, my name is Melinda. I really enjoyed your introduction blog, I have been beading and learning how to make regalia for about 5 years now. An elder I know, and have had the privilege of interviewing for a documentary I was making about life before, during, and after WWII, has been sharing history with me as we still see each other for coffee and art. Understanding the fact that we mostly have an oral history, my goal was to get as much first hand knowledge as possible while I could.
ReplyDeleteWe enjoyed each other's company and continue to have coffee from time to time and she has shown me what she knows about beading, making bracelets, necklaces, earrings, headdress', among other things and explains what certain beads mean, or what type of headdress would tell you about what village one was from or her status in her village. She helped me make my daughter's first Nacaq (headdress), I'm not sure how you would say it in Bethel. I am from Port Lions on Kodiak. I really enjoyed your choice of video, my daughter and I are learning to do a couple dances together.
I understand that this was always apart of your life growing up. I wish it was like that in our village, but it makes me smile that your village still practices customs. I personally think they should always be apart of our villages, no matter where one is from in Alaska. That would be great! I have been chasing down our histories for a long time, and I have noticed over the last few years this next generation is curious and wants to know too. This also makes me smile. I hope to see more of your art throughout this semester. Good luck Justina!
Best wishes
Melinda