Artist creativelly combines technology and culture for logo

Observer Staff

10/2/2003 12:00:00 AM

Kettle Point Tribal member Jason George used his creative combination of cultural and technological knowledge to design a winning powwow logo.

George, who is skilled in computer-aided drafting, extended his hand to mechanically draw the precise linear artwork that will represent the 19th Annual Little Elk's Retreat Powwow.

"I started out with a sketch that I'd done by hand, then used it as a reference to create what I envisioned," George explained. "I'm working on a degree in architecture, so I'm pretty proficient in AutoCAD."

The design reflects this year's theme, "Honoring Nindawemaagnidog (All My Relations)."

"The whole idea is embracing family," he said. "I felt it was most important to express this, not in a literal sense, but in the sense of man and his family and how we're all connected. Part of that connection is communicating with all of Creation, from plants and animals to humans-the father, son and grandchildren.."

Although George was limited to using four colors due to printing purposes, he was compelled to select the warm orange hues because they embraced one another, melting into one.

"The floating orbs symbolize the seven original clans and the conversation going on between the tree and the person fasting in the tree," he added. "I tried to portray family unity and well-being in the spiritual sense."