Shirley Brauker: Influences that Inspire

Influences That Inspire
by Shirley Brauker

March 1–April 28, 2023
Institute for the Humanities Osterman Common Room, 202 S. Thayer
Osterman Common Room hours: M-F 9am-5pm

free and open to the public

Related Events

Influences That Inspire Opening Reception with Shirley Brauker in conversation with Curator Amanda Krugliak
March 1, 6:30-8pm
Institute for the Humanities Gallery, 202 S. Thayer

Shirley Brauker is an Annishinabe artist from Coldwater, Michigan, known for her traditional pottery and drawings on old ledgers. Ledger art is a tradition that dates back to the early 19th century when Plains Indians began using ledger books. The works are meant as a way to address contemporary issues while re-telling the stories of their history. Known for combining cultural traditions and imagery with contemporary sensibilities, Brauker addresses issues of craft, identity, social justice, and popular culture, helping to define who her people are today, with a deep commitment to education and the mentoring of younger generations. The exhibition, which will include original watercolor paintings and original prints on ledger papers, focuses on the current crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls across the United States and Canada.

I have been an artist for as long as I can remember, first drawing and painting, then on to clay, bronze work and traditional Native American crafts. My main art medium is pottery carved with Native designs that tell stories. My desire to explore different types of creativity led me back to drawing again. I began sketching images on 1889 ledger pages and song book sheets. I wanted to record events in my life as well as depict historical and contemporary scenes and issues. Using the ledger pages reflects a time when Indians were given similar pages to draw on while incarcerated or in boarding schools.

I enjoy teaching people the techniques I use to create my art as well as teaching Native American culture through stories. I have taught thousands of students from elementary to senior citizens. My artist-in-residence appointments include Porcupine Mountains, Ziibiwing Center, Mashantucket/Pequot Nation, University of Alaska in Sitka, and the Eiteljorg Museum. I developed and taught a course called Native American Art Sampler at Central Michigan University, where I received my Honorary PhD in Fine Arts after delivering the commencement keynote address in 2015 to 5,000 graduating students.

I am a member of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians. I use Woodland designs and legends as the foundation for my creations. I want people to understand that Indian art is more than a tourist attraction. It is a direct link to our heritage and cultural awareness. I believe that if I am able to convey just one idea about Native American people and their art, then I have done my job.

My life-long passion of creating art has allowed me to experience a world of examining the world I live in through the eyes of an artist. I am blessed.