Episode 31

full
Published on:

3rd Apr 2025

Marie Watt: Weaving Tradition and Innovation in Indigenous Art

Renowned artist Marie Watt, a proud member of the Seneca Nation, invites us into her vibrant world of Indigenous art, where tradition meets innovation. With an extraordinary mix of text, textiles, beadwork, sculptures, and neon, Marie shares her journey from her early days at Willamette University to her transformative experiences at the Institute of American Indian Arts. Her art is a profound reflection of her Seneca identity, especially through the symbolic use of blankets, deeply rooted in her cultural heritage and personal narrative. Marie offers insights into the communal traditions reflected in her art, drawing from her experiences within the urban Indian community of the Pacific Northwest.

Join us as we uncover the magic behind Marie's sewing circles, a practice that blossomed from necessity into a rich community-building exercise. These gatherings brim with storytelling and intergenerational exchange, emphasizing the connection between traditional beadwork and modern neon as evolving storytelling mediums. The episode also navigates the contemporary landscape of Indigenous art in prestigious collections, with language playing a crucial role in Marie's work. Themes such as "turtle," "island," and "companion species" challenge us to reconsider our relationships with nature, while cultural narratives and Marvin Gaye’s music inspire reflections on motherhood and community. Marie's narrative beautifully intertwines language and art, reshaping how we perceive familial and communal ties.

Show artwork for Beyond the Art

About the Podcast

Beyond the Art
The Stories that Bind Us
BEYOND THE ART is hosted by Cray Bauxmont-Flynn who strives to highlight a diversity of roles and voices across the Native American art world, from artists to museum directors and everyone in between.

About your host

Profile picture for Pod For Good Media

Pod For Good Media