Tabashish Anamiki Ogitchida

Tabashish Anamiki Ogitchida 

Drawing. Painting. Screenprinting.

What is your name, business/company/artist name, and tribal affiliation?

My name is Tabashish Anamiki Ogitchida and I am from the White Earth band of Ojibwe. My business name is also Ogitchida Art & Design.

What kind of art do you do?

I love all art.

When and why did you start creating art? Why do you do what you do?

I have been making art on and off for the past 36 years; since I was about 5 years old. I have an intense passion to create artwork and imagery that empowers, inspires, and provokes thought, causing the viewer to wonder why they can't stop looking at my image. Sometimes I have no explanation for some of visions either! 

Describe the general process you go through to create your work? 

It just happens. I am inspired by the world around me - sights, sounds, vibrations.

How do you pump yourself up when creating work? 

Good vibes!

What or who is your inspiration?

The beauty of life!

What has been the biggest challenge for you as an artist? 

Getting back in touch with the stroke that is required for fine art and the vision for the abstract.

Describe your goals as an artist?

To share my vision with the world and if not change the world, but hopefully maybe just one world.

What is your dream project?

To continue to work with all the amazing Twin Cities artists and to just keep learning more.

What projects are you working now?

Several private projects for myself and then screen printing for Wakemup Productions and Native Against Heroin. 

What role does art play in society?

Art plays a very pivotal role in its natural essence to communicate and connect so loudly without saying a word.

Tell us about your relationship to your Native identity and how it manifests in your body of work if at all?

My Native identity is naturally expressed throughout my work.

What does Native art mean to you?

It is who I am... Sometimes I feel, think, see, and believe I, we all move in art form at times.

Do you consider yourself to be a Native artist? Why or why not?

Of course! Lol.

What else are you passionate about?

Art and Music.

What is something that people don't know, but should know about you or your tribe/home community?

That I hope to one day start a community garden within the town of White Earth, MN and a sustainable community on 220 acres of land on Northwestern Leech Lake, in my family's name.

What would you like to see happen in the Native arts community in Minneapolis? At Two Rivers?

I hope that it will continue to grow in the awesome direction it has taken under current management!

What are your needs as an artist? 

Guidance, professional development, and workshops.

What are five very random and interesting things about you?

1. Tabashish Anamkiki Ogitchida means Low Thunder Warrior.
2. My favorite color is light blue.
3. I'm Bear clan.
4. My daughter loves to draw Manga.
5. I love to meditate.

Please list three short phrase responses for each:

1. Heroes: Old Bug-o-nay-geshig, Crazy Horse, John Trudel.
2. Favorite Artists: Wes May, Salvador Dali, TC Native Artists.
3. Music: Instrumental, N8tive, Trance.
4. Food: N8tive!
5. Films and Vids: Documentaries only.
6. In Print: Non fiction only.
7. A word of advice: Perfect art atmosphere!
8. Fav place to be: In my skin!