The vision of Louie Gong, Eighth Generation's Founder the Inspired Natives has changed the way art entrepreneurs and businesses interact with Native artists. In 2014 Heart Berry began an incredible journey as an Inspired Natives collaborator.
This group of groundbreakers, trailblazers, and community focused Native artists have taken the world of Native art and business by its tailfeathers and shaken things up. We gathered all together for the first time in the fall of 2024 for Seattle's Townhall and to share pizza at midnight over laughs.
"This was a gift to be surrounded by people who understood that as Native artists we are not in competition with each other. We were able to share about our experiences in a real and authentic way. Louie has really role modeled this for us. The Inspired Natives Project continues to show me what is possible and also that we have alot of work to do in our home communities." Giizh
"Louie Gong has grown increasingly frustrated with “Native-inspired” clothing and other products produced by large companies. He believes each "Native-inspired" product represents not only a missed opportunity for talented Native artists to build knowledge through collaboration, it also presents a tangible barrier to Native arts entrepreneurs who must compete for a spot on shelves already dominated by non-Native companies producing product featuring appropriated art. At the same time, socially conscious consumers who appreciate Native themes and aesthetics—and tribal communities themselves—are consuming these products without conscious awareness of how their patronage either supports or undermines the work of indigenous artists and entrepreneurs.
Above all, Louie Gong values action over talk. While Native people have become very adept at the important work of calling out cultural appropriation and misrepresentation, the war cannot be won until we can point to alternatives. Eighth Generation wants to play a proactive role in creating those alternatives." Eighth Generation
Michelle Lowden, MILO Creations, Acoma Pueblo
Follow Michelle! A true heart led artist, Michelle's work is poetic and rooted in her community's beautiful pottery and painting tradition.
If you don't know OXDX you must be under a rock, embodying the cool skate print shop vibes, Jared's work combines Dine vibes with a modern urban aesthetic. And its sooo COOL.
The OG, the Boss man Louie Gong, Eighth Generation founder, follow Louie's amazing work to see what incredible things he's up to next.
An Uncle. John Pepion when he's not trying to arm wrestle jingle dress dancers-he's painting, drawing, rapping, and sharing his beautiful innovative work.
and of course! Heart Berry
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