
In this episode of Native Lights, we sit down with Gordon Coons, a talented painter, print maker and fumage artist who is an enrolled member of the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribe in northern Wisconsin. Gordon, who now resides in Minnesota, shares his inspiring journey of becoming an artist, detailing the pivotal moments throughout the eras that shaped his path and strengthened his creative body of work.
We explore his fascinating exhibitions across the country, discussing how he overcame self-doubt and learned to validate his work. Gordon also dives deep into the processes behind his art, explaining the unique use of materials, like linoleum block prints, gold leaf, and sometimes even fire to create stunning smoke effects.
Join us for an inspiring conversation that blends culture, resilience, and the art of storytelling through visual expression.
Subscribe to Native Lights wherever you get your podcasts
More from Native Lights
- Great-Grandmother Mary Lyons’ Gift for Sharing Indigenous Traditions & Spiritual Guidance (Revisited)On this week’s show, we revisit our conversation from June 2022 with Great-Grandmother Mary Lyons (Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe), a spiritual advisor, storyteller, activist, wisdom keeper, and revered elder. Mary Lyons is the founder of the Minnesota Coalition on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and serves as a counselor for the women’s sobriety group, which she also co-founded, called Women of Wellbriety International.
- Rick Haaland: Speaking for the AnimalsToday, we’re excited to speak with Rick Haaland, an animal rescuer and advocate who is the Pets for Life community outreach manager for the Leech Lake Tribal Police.
- David Wise: Growing Good MedicineWe speak with David Wise, descendant of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and founder of Native Wise, a farm which is focused on soil health, restorative farming and Indigenous agricultural practices.