"My mind sees that I am nothing, my heart sees that I am everything, between these two poles my life unfolds."

Monday, January 23, 2012

Birch Bark Biting

As the poet said, 'Only God can make a tree,' 
probably because it's so hard to figure out how to get the bark on.
~ Woody Allen ~

Artists use the bark of trees in innumerable ways; the next few posts will feature some of these creative uses.

Birch Bark Biting is one of the oldest aboriginal art forms. It originated with the Woodland Ojibwa and Cree Nations, but today is only practiced by a handful of artists in Canada. Native art in all it's myriad forms fascinates me to no end.





Here Pat Bruderer (Half Moon Woman) demonstrates and discusses the
history behind birch bark biting. Love her jewellery :)

26 comments:

  1. Yet again, something else I'd never heard of Jane. I'm loving this series! I also loved that lady's jewellery!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sulky Kitten, Thanks! I have a turquoise ring that I need to wear more often...

      Delete
  2. How lovely! There are so many interesting ways people are creative. Looking forward to your next posts!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Martha, I'm learning a lot myself - there certainly are a lot of creative people out there!

      Delete
  3. Some people have the talent...don't they :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think we all have at least a few - we just need to discover and hone them.

      Delete
  4. Yes, I've seen birch bark biting art and it is beautiful. Have never actually seen it done though, so the video was fascinating!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I really liked the demo too, I was impressed when she unfolded the piece she'd been working on.

      Delete
  5. You always surprise us with fascinating facts, and I each time something that is NEW and amazing, Jane!
    Thanks for sharing:DDD

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The internet is amazing - I learn somthing new myself everyday :)

      Delete
  6. I wonder if I can showcase my pencil biting art... seriously though it is amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I found the birch bark biting video very interesting.

    What a novel art to learn!

    This lady's rings are very beautiful.

    Another interesting and learning post Jane.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, I'm also enjoying January's look at tree art.

      Delete
  8. I am very happy to see birch bark biting featured!! Maybe you could do a series of posts on Native art forms--moose hair tufting, using fish scales, etc.?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Dianne, Great suggestion, I may choose a month in the very near future to feature Native art.

      Delete
  9. Birch Bark Biting! Imagine that! I agree with Elisabeth - I always learn something at your website!! Thanks, Jane!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Francie, Maybe we should all keep a few pieces with us to work (gnaw!) at when we're waiting at the dentist's, lol?!!

      Delete
  10. I learn so much reading your blog, Jane! This is amazing, I've never heard of anything like this before.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Sarah, There are so many amazing artists/art forms out there to learn about.

      Delete
  11. I'd never heard of this before - fascinating!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Annie, There's no end to man's creativity and apparantly, no end to the internet, lol! I think we're all in trouble :)

      Delete
  12. Pretty cool art form, for sure. I do wonder if long term it's hard on tooth enamel though.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for stopping by - and leaving your comments! I love reading them :)