MEADOW BARLEY
The small grains are edible, and this plant was part of the Eastern Agricultural Complex of cultivated plants used in the Pre-Columbian era by Native Americans.
WHAT’S NEXT
I’ve started the process of laying out a book design. I know I want a book of this work. I have some other plans as well and the book adds a critical element to those plans.
I hope to offer the work as prints, a book, and exhibition material in late 2023 or 2024. Right now, I’m thinking about offering a (hardcover) book with a Palladium Platinum print with it (buyer’s choice). I think that would be a great way to get the work out to people that can’t see an exhibition or see the work in real life.
I think I can complete what I want to do by the end of next summer (2023). If I prepare as I go and do a lot of the “office” work and printing over the winter, it will be easier to have it wrapped up at the end of 2023. However, there’s no “deadline” on it. I could take years if I wanted.
I have plans to help the Ute community with this work, and the proceeds from it. I’m working on those details now. My main objectives are to educate the general public on the history of Colorado (the Ute tribes), specifically where I live, and to help the Ute community in any way I can. I’m interested in helping the Ute Indian Museum in Montrose, Colorado, and/or some kind of higher education funding for Native Americans pursuing visual arts. It’s all in the start-up phase right now, but it’s important for me to make the work meaningful in those ways. I have no desire for financial gains or notoriety, those ships have sailed. I’m in a different phase of my life and desire completely different things. It sounds altruistic because it is - I’m fine and in need of nothing, it’s my time to give back.
Having said all of that, I’m very grateful to those that have supported me over the years. In a lot of ways, I’m where I am because of that support and appreciation. I’m aware and very thankful for it. The emails and kind words from people asking and commenting about this project mean a lot to me as well. I’m not sure what will be next or if there will be a next. I’m living every day as my last and to the fullest, I can. Regardless if I do more work or not, the important things for me are being present each day and being grateful for what I have and who I am.