La Biennale di Venezia 2001 is the longest running international art exhibition. This exhibition will provide the Native American Arts Alliance an opportunity to express cultural concerns through different expressions of art. We are busy developing each of our own pieces for this exhibit. The continual presence internationally for us, allows for truth to be disseminated regarding our tribal culture. We native Americans have a long history of using cultural means of expressing: who we are/we are still here. My part of the exhibit is using three video projections of different art work expressing my own Yuchi culture. Since the nature of our title is Umbilicus, I have chosen the sonogram of my recent grandson and digitally enhanced with digital graphics to be transferred to video. Each artist develops their own interpretations of Umbilicus through their own cultural identity. My work is working on the premise of visual, personal and intelligence. The challenge is to present the art in a way that will break all language barriers allowing each nation that views this exhibit to walk away with the challenge of rethinking their views of Native Americans. For me personally I am the artist, yet I present the art in a venue representing my family, my tribe, my community.

My work has always been in a multi media tradition. For me this allows me to use various natural products which is reminiscent of how my tribal ancestors used nature as the means to express their communications. For me as a contemporary artist, I continue to use new technology and bring forward my cultural ancestral history presented in more contemporary fashion. History can be thought of as in the past, yet my work I create at this moment is part of the present historical realm. In this way it is moving forward.

For me my tribal community role as an artist means that I always have my tribal community present in my mind as I create. Adapting to the changing world around us, has evidently prolonged our existence as a tribe. We are not static, thus my art is not static. I keep changing and pushing my artistic growth to incorporate new technology and continue to keep my tribal investigation alive through my art. I use my art as a tribal celebration, it is not just for me, my art is for my family, my community, my tribe. As an artist I must continue to grow expand and evolve past my own personal boundaries as it relates to my understanding of my role as a tribal artist. I am a tribal member, yet I am an artist of the world and desire for my work to be considered as such.

Presently the financial aspects of funding such a huge undertaking is daunting to say the least. Yet our timeline for completion seems to be working well. I do know we are working to present our prospectus to companies that have shown interest in our work. We hope to get some video projectors donated and studio time. Our funding will allow completion and presentation of this exhibit at the La Biennale di Venezia 2001. Of course the transportation, shipping of art work and related video projectors, 2 technical staff, and the means to house us for the 3 weeks while in Italy is part of our ongoing financial resources we seek.

La Biennale di Venezia by nature allows for an international audience. The art itself also is venue to celebrate my tribe, yet it is not limited to them alone. So this allows personal significant tribal acknowledgement as well as international audiences.