The art of the Gentle Tarot and My Friend Fire was created on and inspired by the lands of the following indigenous nations. Please use the links below to learn more and donate to their programs.
I share photos from my personal collection throughout this page.
My indigenous roots are Chichimeca and Wixárika from Zacatecas, Central México. I have plans of releasing a completely new Gentle Tarot inspired by my homeland within the next couple of years. Returning is important soul work for me. If you'd like to support my reconnection and experience behind-the-scenes, please join us in Patreon. Thank you!
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The homelands of the Unangax̂ of Iluulux̂ (Unalaska), a remote island on the Alaskan Aleutian chain is where the Gentle Tarot birthed and where most of the art is inspired from. The following films were filmed/created by and feature dear friends of mine that were present during the creation of the Gentle Tarot, in a small off-grid dry cabin in the Summer of 2020 during wild salmon field work. I hold so much reverence for them and the important work they are doing for their communities and indigenous people worldwide. Iluulux̂ is forever in my heart and I am so grateful for the years that I had the privilege of connecting with the island. (2017, 2018-2021)
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Donate to Camp Qungayuux here, the tribe’s youth camp created to uphold Unangax lifeways for future generations.
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Usugilix Awakun from Spruce Tone on Vimeo.
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The lands of the Sun'aq tribe of the Kodiak Island Archipelago, Alaska. https://sunaq.org/
From 2014 to 2017 I worked seasonally for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, on off-grid reception-free field camps collecting data on wild salmon. The bears in my work are my artistic interpretations of individual bears I had the honor of co-existing with during this time.
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Two cubs watch as their mother walks away to eat her salmon in peace.
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The lands of the Sugpiaq of the Outer Kenai Coast, the Dena'ina of so called Anchorage, Alaska, and the Ninilchik Village Tribe of the Southern part of the Kenai Peninsula.
Article:
Video:
Above image is a link to a video.
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For in depth descriptions of art inspiration, feel free to consider the Gentle Tarot full-size guidebook, where I elaborate with life stories and symbolism for each card/illustration. Thank you!