Kudos from Canada
Doesn't get much better than that !
Check out the article link above and read McLaughlin's take on some interesting Native American characters.
Then...buy the book ! :)
Upcoming 2008 Lectures in this series:
In this deployment of IPI, we spotlight Beth Aileen Dillon, a Ph.D., Student at Simon Fraser University in the School of Interactive Arts and Technology and Research Assistant for the Aboriginal Territories in Cyberspace ("AbTeC"), "a series of projects investigating innovative methods for First Nations to participate in networked culture to tell our stories while populating and shaping cyberspace itself." Beth "is an Irish, Anishinaabe, and Metis writer specializing in video game industry" and her creativity has now spilled over into the comic industry. Beth has recently ventured into the world of comic books with her work with the Zeros2Heroes people, "a thriving network that connects thousands of creators, producers, and fans of comics in a collaborative and creative environment." In addition to these enormous milestones, Beth proves her continued status of 'Mega Cool' with her JTHM reference (Squee !, indeed). Beth takes time to explain things (slowly!) to Michael Sheyahshe (Caddo) about her recent work in comics and Indigenous representation. |
In this installment of IPI, we get up close and personal with the "Pin-up Poet," herself, Andrea Grant. Andrea is the creator of MINX comic book series, "which merges Native American mythology" with fantasy, dreams, and reality. Andrea is a Coast Salish Canadian with a long list of creative talents, including: poetry, modeling, photography, 3D paintings, spoken word, live performance, author...and many more. (Don't be lazy - go see her website for more info!) div>After a long simmer on the back burner, and after a long summer on the back roads, Andrea was finally able to answer a few questions about being a Native person in the 'biz' with Michael Sheyahshe (Caddo). |
MS: Background info: what is your tribal affiliation and where are you from?
AG: I live in New York City in the East Village...I fought very hard to be here. I am originally from Vancouver Island, in Canada, and I am descended from the Coast Salish tribe, through my father.
MS: Did you have a lot of cultural interaction growing up? (Family gatherings, dances, ceremonies, etc.?)
AG: Unfortunately my Native grandfather suffered at the hands of residential schools...all kinds of horrors. I always felt my Native origins as a child, and as my brother and I grew older, our father connected more to his roots and we learned more and started going to pow-wows. I have always craved a deeper connection to my tribe, especially now that I live in such a metropolis. It’s interesting to note that several of my best friends in the States are part Native. But really, I feel very much the lone wolf out here.
MS: When did you first get into comics?
AG: I was always a writer working in several mediums and I had to think about longevity. I started out as a poet, and realized that hardly anyone cares about poetry these days. So I chose to twist around the Native tradition of storytelling and enter the field of comics. People thought I was crazy but I always felt I had a strong story to tell. I hoped that I could preserve some tribal mythology therein.
MS: Do you have a favorite comic; title or type?
AG: Neil Gaiman’s Sandman...and if you forced me to read it over and over for a thousand lifetimes, I would never get bored.
MS: Tell us more about the MINX you've been working on; how did it all start / come about?
AG: One day I woke up and decided I wanted to write a comic book because I felt the audience was intelligent and would accept my mixing mediums together.
MS: When can we expect it and where can we buy it?
AG: I am three issues deep into the series. The best bet is to get it directly from my website at www.copiousamounts.com/minx. I also have a spin-off called V-Train that runs quarterly in ‘Bombin’ Magazine...sort of Minx meets the Warriors. And I am revising my acumen right now to create a more mainstream version of the story… so stay tuned.
MS: Keeping in mind any of your other talents, what is your specialty?
AG: Being a couple of years ahead of what's popular...which is discouraging and painful when I first create something, and extremely gratifying when people understand it later on.
MS: Did you get special training and/or education for the comic book work?
AG: My training is in Creative Writing and English Literature. Otherwise, it's all just intuition.
MS: Have you worked on any other comics?
AG: Not yet.
MS: What are some comics with Native American characters in them that stand out to you?
AG: David Mack did a good job with the Daredevil spin-off a few years ago that featured the deaf character 'Echo' who was Native. Otherwise, none have fallen into my hands. I think there should be more. What an amazing way to preserve our beautiful, rich culture.
MS: What is your opinion about Indigenous characters in comics? Do you feel we are portrayed properly?
AG: Probably not. It's tough to convey the tonality of our culture. And let's face it, we're stoic...we don’t tell our secrets!
MS: Do you know of any other Natives in the "biz" (comic industry and/or video game industry)?
AG: I wish I did. I only know Native rappers from Canada. I live far away from my family so I haven’t gone to a pow-wow with my father for a few years...he's really outgoing and meets a lot of people. I’m quiet.
MS: Any words of wisdom for others (Native or non) looking to do what you do?
AG: Never give up, and don't look back. If people tell you that you can’t do something, fight harder and stay away from that kind of negativity – it's only jealousy. And stay disciplined because there are a thousand distractions every day that will take you further from your goals.
MS: Anything I've missed here? Anything you'd like to 'plug' (upcoming shows, debuts, etc.)?
AG: My projects are as follows:
www.copiousamounts.com/minx The Minx comic
http://www.andreagrant.com/ The Pin-Up Poet brand
http://www.copiousmagazine.com/ Which features other artists