Hoocąk (Ho-Chunk)/Ojibwe artist Christopher Sweet holds Blue Bear Studio open house
Blue Bear Studio located in Reedsburg, Wisconsin, held an open house, inviting the people of Reedsburg and surrounding communities. Sweet wanted to host people so they had an opportunity and new venue to appreciate Native American art and develop connectedness on Saturday, October 23rd. As a Hoocąk/Ojibwe artist, Sweet shared it’s important to him that the Native Community feels the studio is a place where, “we are represented and our culture shared”. It also opens up to the public a view into Native American culture as expressed through art.
Sweet also showcased the work of artists, Kelly Logan (Hoocąk), and Terry Walker (Omaha). It has always been Sweet’s intention to make his studio a place other Native artists could share their creativity and gain exposure.
Inspired by his mother Lenore, also an artist, Sweet said he was also inspired by teachers from grade school through high school, stressing he too wants to be an artist that inspires others to create.
Sweet works with acrylics, while at times using plaster and newspaper in his paintings. “I have incorporated newspaper, but not just any old newspaper. I like to use the Hoocąk paper. But there's got to be a good story (printed on the paper), something positive, to give the painting some inspiration.”
At times, Sweet gets creative with his canvas, creating unique paintings on repurposed cardboard boxes. He said using cardboard gives his paintings a different texture and a sense of depth.
Artist Kelly Logan, originally from Milwaukee, said he was encouraged and inspired by Sweet to immerse himself into his artwork. He shared Sweet spent some time teaching him different styles, different canvases that can be used, and types of paints available. Logan stated that he incorporates bright colors in all of his pieces, including a graffiti style painting he attributes to his youth. Sweet eventually told Logan he would like to show his work at the Blue Bear Studio which led to some of Logan’s work being displayed for the open house.
Omaha artist Terry Walker was unable to attend the open house. Walker’s “work in progress” sculpture of an Eagle blended with a horse and made of sanded alligator juniper wood, displayed the use of a natural element to incorporate his cultural and artistic expression. Walker had a couple other pieces on display as well.
Not on an artistic journey alone, Sweet credits his wife Chrissy saying, “She's been, like, the greatest. We consider ourselves a team. It's a lot teamwork, and without her, none of this would really have come about. You always need somebody to back you up and remind you of your worth. To point out what you need to do and what gifts you have, what you're capable of. I'm very grateful for Chrissy.”
Sweet said the open house of Blue Bear Studio has been a long-time goal of his. “My mission is to support other Native artists,” and noted if any artists are interested in showing their worrk they should contact him.
Blue Bear Studio is located at 222 North Walnut Street, Suite B, in Reedsburg, Wisconsin.
Visit Blue Bear Studio on Facebook at facebook.com/csweetdzine/ or on Instagram- instagram.com/csweetnativeart/
