We were lucky to catch up with Negwes White recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Negwes thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

A mural I did with a group of native youth for the Native Museum in Evanston The Gichigamiin. The purpose was to raise awareness, promote our values with the world by making a mural that shared part our creation and a mixture of other indigenous stories.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Negwes White
born and raised on Chicago’s north side.
Ojibway from Wapole Island Canada
Navajo from Fort Defience AZ
Gauchichil STP Mexico

I grew up heavily influence by the 4 elements of hip hop and was exposed to all kinds of genres of music. I grew up in a house of creativity. Most my uncles did graffiti and illustrating, my grandma made sweet grass baskets, quilts, crocheted, and made cloths. My grandpa work on cars and my mom did bead work. I saw art all around me and seen it as a way to express my perspective in life. A way to be seen and to talk about the important things to an urban native, such as…

Identity, history, traumas, genocide, mental health, generational curses, Christianity, traditions, basketball and healing.

Learned to put the emotions on canvas, find freedom in markers and pens. Being recognized by my peers as being talented was an official stamp of approval.
Being inspired by my friends and does who appreciated art in the ways I did, that help me grow as an artist. Miigwech to my Chicago Native Community, to does that came before me and laid the foundations. To all the artist I saw growing up, to my ancestors, I’ll make you proud.

The type of art I do?
I’m a storyteller, sometimes I draw and illustrate my ideas and stories. Sometimes I paint a mural to tell stories. Or write a spoken word poem and do it at a poetry slam. Now I’m into making jewelry and customizing cloths.
That voice in my gut I have learn to embrace. Trust it and to listen, trust I’m going to learn something new about myself.

I love doing art for others and making something special for them, and to them is my gift. love the joy art can bring another.

Negwes White

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Yes, Disney and growing up influenced by these cartoons, as and adults I’m realizing the impact they had on me. My goal is to work with Disney and the bigger studios and to tell traditional and more cultural stories that teach morals and make indigenous communities look like the hero’s and great wisdom keepers they are.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I love people and hearing another person story, when they want to do something special for another loved one. I go into interview mode and try my best to get to know they person likes and interests. when I have enough information, the image just comes to me. I’m able to design them something special and personal. You can fell the appreciation on a spiritual level.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Gawaapi
• Facebook: Negwes White

Image Credits

Mitzi for the painting