New digital painting series by Tatakwan
click on any image to scroll through series
Interested in singular yet affordable Native American Artwork?
Check out my latest paintings – the Ekwa Buffalo Series.
You are one of the first to see this newly released digital painting series, featuring 9 images of the Buffalo in motion.
I’m happy to be able to offer you an easy way to own or give unique and elegant Native American artwork while keeping it inexpensive. Each of the Ekwa Buffalo paintings is available as a high quality yet economical giclee print on canvas, in a selection of sizes and prices.
Experience the best of both worlds!
Do you find the idea of balancing the traditional and the ultramodern in art appealing?
My Contemporary Indigenous Art contains both.
Art is the gift I was given to share with you.
Tansi. Hello. My name is Kehiyow Tatakwan Awasis
(Eagle Wing Child in English, and Tatakwan for short).
Many people in the art world know me by my English name, Jude Norris.
In Cree culture we know that each of us has particular and valuable gifts to share.
Mine is my artwork. I trust you’ll join in my excitement about the launch of the Ekwa Buffalo Series. I’m equally thrilled about being able to make this work accessible to virtually everyone. (And to everyone ‘virtually’)
Most people associate American Indians with certain aspects of our cultures.
People think of us as loving the earth, other creatures, and communing with the spirit world. This is often true, and is a beautiful thing. But at the same time, our relationships are often more complex and sophisticated than generally recognized. You can find this reflected in the work of Contemporary Native Artists.
For example, did you know that Native people have always had a strong use of technology? That’s not necessarily the mainstream image of us, but its true. We’ve always had and used our own highly developed technologies. And we’ve always incorporated the technology from other cultures. We’re very creative and make it our own. Beadwork (yes, beadwork) is a perfect example..
And these digitally created Bison paintings are another great example.
Tatakwan Contemporary Indigenous Art is traditional and cutting edge.
Now you can have art by an acclaimed artist,
at an equally innovative price.
Now I’m inviting you to experience, and I hope embrace, my world and my work.
So you might want to know a little about me..
I’m proud to say that I’m a multimedia artist from the mighty Plains Cree Nation. I am a Metis Cree, meaning I am of mixed descent, but my cultural affiliation is Cree. My home territory is in and around Edmonton, Alberta, also known as Amisk Waski Waskikun (Beaver Hill House).
Now to brag a little..
(Of course as an art buyer, new or experienced, you’d be smart to want to know my credentials).
My work has been exhibited and screened internationally, is collected by major museums, and I’ve been awarded a number of prestigeous grants & awards. If you want to know more about me and my art practice, follow this Tatakwan artist statement link, and also check out my CV. If you explore my links page, you can find many more things about me and my work on the internet.
My art expresses ancient spiritual connection using state of the art technology.
It collages timeless and contemporary styles. I strive to implement a dynamic painting style infused with a strong cultural heritage. And I creatively embrace certain recent developments in technology.
Another reason to love digital technology is because I can make the Ekwa Buffalo paintings easily available and affordable to you.
I welcome you to take a deeper look. Once you’ve read this, I suggest letting all the words go, and approaching the paintings with no thoughts or preconceptions. The things that are important for you to remember will stay.
Open your heart. Explore. Absorb. Enjoy.
See if there’s artwork here that touches your spirit.
If you’re looking for stunning and sophisticated art
by a real live Native Artist, this is the bona fide thing.
If I do say so myself…
There isn’t a lot of information out there about Contemporary Indigenous Artists. Often ‘wannabees’ reap the benefits of naïve and uneducated art buyers. Meanwhile the genuine and talented Native Artists are often overlooked.
There are people out there who paint ‘Native’ people or subjects, who romanticize us, and cash in on our image. But often they’re not even really a part of any Native culture. Just admiring it from afar, and copying it (or trying to anyway). This is not true of Contemporary Native Artwork.
If you really want ‘Native Art’, you have to understand what it is. Native Artwork is hard to define, but it always means art made by a First Nations person. It is artwork created with an understanding and perspective that is uniquely Indigenous.
‘Real’ Native Art is not lost in romanticizing the past. Contemporary Indigenous Art takes the best of our rich ancestry and brings it into the present in a way that’s rife with innovation. If you’d like to know more, download my mini-E-book “Spirits in the Machines: Contemporary Native Creative Expression”.
The Ekwa Buffalo have been released!!
What colour is you inner buffalo?
Ekwa means ‘Now is the Time’ or ‘Right Now’ in Plains Cree. I chose the name Ekwa Buffalo because these paintings are a strong image of history, yet so ‘in the moment’. They’re truly timeless, yet full of movement. They’re also a stirring beacon for the future of all of us.
I’ve only just completed these Bison paintings, although the story of the Ekwa Buffalo creation process, has been much longer. I’m now showing these artworks for the first time, and I’m very glad to share them with you. Find the buffalo that resonates with you, and be one of the first to choose from the innovative artworks in this compelling new series.
Are you already a Contemporary Indigenous Art lover?
Are you interested in Native Art but don’t know where to start?
Would you like to have or express a deeper understanding of Native Art than the mainstream one? As you may be realizing – or already know – there are often different layers of meaning to artworks created by Native American Artists.
If you’d like to know more, please download my mini-E-book for free. Even if you’re completely new to the world of Contemporary Native Artwork, it will help to give you some easy insight into where we’re coming from. And even if you’re already a fan of Indigenous Art, I think you’ll find it interesting.
And whether you’re a newbie, a seasoned collector, curator, or admirer, I invite you to experience the Ekwa Buffalo Series.
Dream of Creating Your Own Distinctive Art Collection, but
think buying original art pieces might be too expensive?
This is art for your budget – no matter what it is.
No matter how big your current bankroll is, now you can start collecting quality art, or add to your collection. You can purchase giclee-printed paintings for a fraction of the cost of a ‘one-off’ acrylic or oil painting. This means an Ekwa Buffalo Series artwork can easily be yours.
Your Buffalo painting will be printed on stretched canvas using the special fine art Giclee Printing process. You can also choose from a variety of sizes and prices.
You can hang your Ekwa Buffalo painting framed or unframed. I’ve designed them so the image or background colour wraps around the side of canvas. So you can frame if you choose, but they also look great hung as is. These options save you more money if you need to.
Advancements in printing inks mean your artwork will be archive-quality.
With proper care the image will last for many years. And each size of each artwork in this series will be printed as an limited edition. This adds value to your piece. Only a pre-determined number of people besides you will ever own an edition of your Bison artwork. Each Ekwa Buffalo Artwork comes with a Certificate of Authenticity verifying the number of your limited edition digital Bison painting.
The latest Giclee printing technology means ease and quality, so these digital paintings are exquisite, simple to order and affordable. So whichever Tatakwan Buffalo painting you choose, the painting, the price and the process will please you.
Paying more isn’t always getting more.
With this giclee Bison Art you get more than you pay for.
This level of quality means that even if you were willing to spend much more, you don’t need to. I take great pride in the quality of my work, and the way it is presented in the world. I have built a successful career as an artist on giving careful and loving attention to the integrity of my work on every level. I launch this series of giclee printed paintings with confidence that each of these artworks is a strong addition to any collection.
Are you put off or intimidated by art galleries – but have an interest in art?
No time to go to museums or galleries, but still dream of having a ‘Red Indian’ hot collection of beautiful,
cutting edge art?
Are you one of the many who think you can’t understand art?
Relax. Its actually much easier than you might think.
These days, art often seems to be in a separate box from the rest of the world. But I don’t believe that art is only the privilege of a few people. In my culture, back in the old days, we didn’t even have a word for art. The creations of the gifted were a part of everyday life. They were for me, and they were for you.
Doesn’t this make a little more sense?
I’m not knocking art galleries or museums. There are things I totally love about them. Ideally, they are places to share our visions and creations as artists.
And there are certain types of art that are best experienced in public, commercial or institutional spaces. I’ve had numerous gallery exhibitions of my work, and I’m grateful to be able to share my work that way. But I know there can also be a feeling of elitism around some gallery ‘scenes’.
In the last few hundred years of Western-dominated society, the image of art became something that’s usually for an elite few. Truth is, I find that idea challenging – so I’m challenging it! I know some people are satisfied by those scenes. Everyone has their preference. But I want my artwork to be enjoyed by people outside that world, too.
If you’ve ever felt like an ‘outsider’ when it comes to understanding and enjoying art, you’re not alone. I’ve met so many people who think they can’t understand art.
And this makes me sad. But that’s all changing!
Understanding Native Artwork isn’t hard.
Its spirit to spirit, heart to heart.
If you are one of those people who thinks art is beyond you, I want to tell you its just not true. Like talking, art is a communication from one person to others.
More often than not, art comes straight from the spirit of the artist. We’re all connected, so how can art be so hard to understand?
Like any language (but easier), it may take a little personal investment, a little learning, to understand. But its not difficult! It came from someone’s the heart. And sometimes all it takes to ‘receive’ is a little opening of your heart.
So if you think that you can’t understand art, I think its just a misunderstanding.
It’s a belief that’s been promoted for a long time, but its just that – a belief.
You can easily change it. And the process can be a great adventure. If you’d like to make a start, download my mini-E-book on Contemporary Native Artworks.
I guarantee you’ll find it easy to understand.
Technology sets the Ekwa Buffalo free to roam the whole universe.
These days, the ‘art institution’ no longer has the monopoly on how people can encounter art. There are many different ways for artists to share their work and for you to appreciate it.
Handled responsibly, technology is a wonderful thing. As we all know, it makes many positive things much more accessible to many more people. The web is the perhaps the ultimate example. It offers a major shift in the way people interact and experience things – including art. Including Native Art!
Now you don’t even have to leave your home to experience the amazing creations out there. Its so easy to enrich your world with art. You can own an exquisite and genuine Native American Artwork with the push of a button. Is this not exciting?!
Whatever your walk of life, your culture, or your financial bracket, I believe there is something in my work that can touch something within you. Something fundamental, uplifting or inspiring.
An Ekwa Buffalo could be the perfect place to start, or add to, your collection. Or it could be a super unique gift. Collecting or giving one of these Bison paintings is a great way to show and grow the Buffalo love!
Do you love the Buffalo Nation?
Are you drawn to the majestic energy of the Buffalo?
Feel it come alive in the Ekwa Buffalo series digital paintings.
The Bison is called Puskwa Moostoos in Plains Cree. Both as individuals and a community, the Buffalo emanate majesty, power and wisdom. Traditionally Puskwa Moostoos represents bravery, tenacity, strength of community, and abundance.
This is the only animal that turns to face into a storm, rather than away from it. Bison are know for protecting and raising their young communally. They are a strong symbol of how to navigate and embrace new challenges with courage, resourcefulness and resilience.
Perhaps the Buffalo’s greatest teaching is how to live in balance with nature.
My ancestors have had a close-knit physical and spiritual relationship with the Buffalo Nation for thousands of years. The Buffalo managed the land, maintaining the prairie with its grazing, traveling and fertilizing.
And it sustained us. The Bison has been called the supermarket of the plains. We used every part of it for our food, shelter, and tools for day to day living.
In return we have always loved, respected and revered it. We wasted nothing it gave us. Wherever the Buffalo went, so did we. We are like one in spirit.
Our ancient yet lasting kinship with this amazing animal epitomizes our oneness with nature. If the Buffalo suffer, we suffer. If they flourish, so do we.
Its said that in the old days it could take 3 days for a herd of Buffalo to pass by. This animal is the perfect example of the abundance of the Earth and the Creator. They remind us that we are naturally provided for.
Nowadays, we no longer roam the land, following the herds. But we still have a close connection to Puskwa Moostoos. The Ekwa Buffalo series is a strong reminder of this kinship. The paintings celebrate an everlasting spiritual bond.
The Buffalo also tells a story of survival and perseverance against great odds, and the enduring strength of holistic culture. This story is beautiful and relevant for all people. Although the great herds were almost wiped out, the Buffalo Nation is now growing again. The Buffalo’s story and power is especially important now, in these times of social and environmental challenge and flux.
Bring that buffalo energy into your home,
or share it with someone.
Here’s a simple yet dynamic way.
When you bring an image of something into your home or surroundings, and you look at it often, you are invoking its energy. This is amplified if you admire it or have a positive emotion towards it.
These Buffalo Series paintings are both lovingly created and lovely to behold. They are a vital way to bring this animal’s healing and strengthening energy into your life.
Having a Buffalo artwork in your environment can also support the Buffalo Nation as it grows strong again. Nothing can be created or restored unless it is imagined and focused on first. Call forth and champion the Buffalo by choosing an Ekwa Buffalo today, and treasuring it every day.
Participate in the American Indian Story Telling and
Gift Giving Traditions.
Like much of my work, these digital paintings came into being as part of a synchronistic adventure. Believe it or not, each painting is based on a single frame of video footage.
Years ago, I shot video footage of two young bison. The youngsters were a marvelous gift from one American Indian Nation to another. The footage evolved over time into this Bison art. To read the whole Ekwa Buffalo Story, click on this link.
Gift giving and receiving is fundamental part of Native American culture. We know that when you give, you receive. Traditionally, the greatest measure of our chiefs and warriors is their ability to provide for and share with others. And of coarse we are ‘gifted’ with all the abundance of the Earth, including the Buffalo.
Through the Ekwa Buffalo Series, I’m sharing my personal journey, experience, creative gifts and craftsmanship with you. If they touch you, you can reciprocate simply by appreciating them, purchasing them, or sharing the gift with others.
If you like what you see and hear, please share the Ekwan Buffalo wealth by forwarding this site to your friends. Or give Tatakwan Bison artwork as a gift.
An affordable, one of a kind seasonal, birthday or thank you gift.
Because the Ekwa Buffalo are available in a variety of sizes and are so inexpensive, you can easily find one in a price range for anyone you need a gift for. They make tasteful presents for family, friends and work-mates. Giving Tatakwan Bison artwork is an artful way to show your appreciation or your love, or even impress your business associates.
Do you know someone who fits any of these descriptions?
* loves art or Native culture
* cares about beauty and the environment
* likes to set the trend
* likes their home or office to look chic
* likes to be surprised
* could use some uplifting Buffalo vitality in their life
I think anyone on this list would love to receive an Ekwa Buffalo painting.
They make a lasting, unique gift for those people who are challenging to find something great for.
Do you feel a connection to Native American Culture?
Are you drawn to First Nations vision?
Celebrate Native American Culture in an authentic yet universal way.
Our creative work has always been one of the most deep and direct ways to express our way of life. In Cree world we say that artists are especially close to the Creator, because of our ability to create. We bring our visions – our conversations with the Great Mystery – to life in the physical world.
A few hundred years ago, art was interwoven with American Indian day to day life.
Step into the 21st century and things have changed dramatically. But Contemporary Native Artists and Artwork are alive and thriving! Modern day Indigenous artists are producing masterpieces to equal those of the past or any other culture. Our work is both beautiful and meaningful.
Now you can share your appreciation of Native Arts and Culture by adding a distinctive Indigenous artwork to your world. An Ekwa Buffalo is yours for a very modest investment.
I’d love for you to have one of my artworks, and its simple to make it happen.
Choose your Ekwa Buffalo, push the yellow button to follow the straightforward purchase process, and your Bison artwork will be shipped directly to you.
Do you love and respect the environment?
Why not express and honor that relationship through the art you choose?
Since time immemorial, Native American culture has epitomized ‘eco-friendliness’. In fact, its safe to say we invented it. Love and respect for all of our environment and ‘all our relations’ is built right into our cultures and always has been.
All my work is created with this understanding. My artworks express and celebrate our relationships to everything around us – the earth, animals, plants, each other and our ancestors.
Owning Contemporary Native Artwork is a powerful way to express your love of the land. Tatakwan artwork is ‘inherently green’. Show your earth-loving colours with an Ekwa Buffalo painting.
Who wants to add a whole new level of beauty, positivity and sophistication to your home?
The vibrant yet affordable Ekwa Buffalo can bring it.
There’s nothing like the right artwork to transform the life and energy of a domestic, work or public space. An Ekwa Buffalo painting can bring the feeling of a room to a whole new level.
This Bison series was created in an array of colours, but will never be mere wall decor. They can add beauty, magnetism, and positivity to an environment. Check out the Ekwa Buffalo series
page, and see which ones feel like part of your herd.
I know I shouldn’t tell you this, because its an
Ancient Native American Secret, but owning Native Art is Hot.
Many try hard to be sharp, but Contemporary Native American Artwork is truly cutting edge. Unlike much art today, it’s not just a pretty face, a one-liner, or art that tries hard to be clever.
Indigenous art has strong style, concept, and spiritual foundation. Its traditional, trend-setting, and environmentally-conscious, all in one creation. It has it all – including beautiful combinations and qualities other art can’t offer.
So what could be more attractive, on so many levels, than owning Native Artwork? Everyone knows that our surroundings have an impact on us. And what we do with our personal space, be it work or home, says a lot about us.
So here’s your chance express yourself, improve your environment, and support an Indigenous artist and the Buffalo Nation. And you can make an impression on your friends by showing off your discerning taste with one-of-a-kind Ekwa Buffalo painting.
Indulge in your love of art while sharing good Buffalo Medicine with your friends, colleagues and the world at large. Ekwa Buffalo Series giclee paintings are for you if you tend to set the trend – or want to. And these one-of-a-kind Bison artworks are available starting at about the price of an art poster.
So did you ever think you’d fall in love with a pink buffalo?
It could happen today.
What color is your inner buffalo?
I invite you to take a moment from your day, relax, breathe,
and take in the Ekwa Buffalo Series.
If you see some Bison art you like, add the ‘shopping cart of the plains’
to your shopping cart.
Bring home a buffalo today!
