Heritage Collection (2022-23)

my heritage collection. (2022-23)

An AP Studio Art Portfolio Submission

Portfolio Prompt: How can I identify with a heritage I know nothing about?

In the Beginning

By depicting a stereotypical thing associated with native Americans, a feather, I wish to showcase my little knowledge of my heritage as a member of the Chumash tribe, but by reaching out to it show my wish to connect with it learn the whole history of what it means to be Chumash. However, by drawing only a finger reach towards it can I show my apprehensiveness and intrigue towards the subject.

Graphite and Colored Pencil

Hutash, Earth Mother

using research gathered about Chumash Legends and Myth’s, I chose to create piece of my own interpretation of their creation myth, in which Hutash, their version of Mother Earth, sprouts human beings like trees, hence the imagery of vine like hair on the woman and a trees sprouting from her hand as she admires, all of which can be somewhat interpreted as human beings.

Graphite and Colored Pencil

The Tool

Focusing on the annual Chumash Pow-Wow in which part of celebration includes are ceremonial boating event where the participants are taught how to row in a tomol, a type of traditional canoe used by the Chumash, and row it out to see. In this piece, I took a different approach in the sense that it symbolizes an induction into the tribe, and that I have just scratched to surface of what it means to be Chumash.

Graphite and Colored Pencil

Graphite, Colored Pencil, AI-Generated Photo

Graphite and Digital Media (For Glowing Liquid)

Tears of the Sun

By looking into the protesting done by the Chumash to backlash against the enforced baptism done by the colonizers and using the symbolized “tears of the sun”, I hope to convey an understanding of the ugly side to being a part of a minority, but also showcase an idea of perseverance and pride in what my life should stand for.

Graphite, Colored Pencil, Digital Media (For Glowing Liquid)