What’s Happening?
I’m really proud that Vans has asked me to be an Official Ambassador for their Custom Culture Arts Program.  Basically, I’m tasked with dressing up a pair of Classic Slips Ons. When complete, I’ll toss them back to Vans to use in promotional materials for the nation-wide project.  Additionally, since I’ve done over 30 custom shoe workshops all over the country, I’ll be working my connections with teachers and program coordinators to get as many students involved as possible. Why the hell not?  Vans provides some the shoes, and the grand prize is $50k for your school’s arts program. Get the hand out.

I’ll have to dig deep to come up with something inspiring because some of these kids get crazy with their custom shoe designs. Seriously, check out some photos!

Here’s more from Vans
Starting February 1st, art teachers can register their school for participation here at http://www.vans.com/customculture. If your school is one of the first 1,000 to sign up successfully, you’ll be sent four pairs of Vans shoes to customize.

Registration, design submission and public voting will all occur here at vans.com/customculture so check back periodically for details and updates. Questions? Visit our FAQ above or check out facebook.com/vanscustomculture. If you’re still wondering about something, send us an e-mail at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Registration Begins: February 1st, 2012

HEY LOUIE, WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU DOING?
I feel very blessed. Eighth Generation custom shoes (Link to Gallery) are more popular than ever. The artwork I’m completing now was commissioned over 12 months ago, when I stopped taking orders because of the overwhelming demand. As a result, the opportunity to commission Exclusive Customs has become more valuable, and at auction, the “Eighth Generation Exclusive Customs Experience” has sold for up to $1000.00. Additionally, the facebook following is growing by an average of 70 people each day, promising continued interest well into the future.  Nevertheless, I have decided that I want to give my Exclusive Customs away for free - at least for now. 

BUT WHY?
I have been in education and non-profit activism for many years. When I started personalizing shoes for other people, I didn’t see it as a pathway to making money. I saw it as an extension of my activism around identity - a powerful tool for sparking conversations about identity.  By offering my Exclusive Customs for free, I’m using them as a symbolic tether to my core values and experiences while at the same time eliminating money as the number one determinant of who owns my original art.  It will also give me greater control over the direction of my art because I’m going to choose (with your help) who wins.

WHAT’S THE CATCH?
I’m offering my Exclusive Customs as gifts for people whose actions embody the Eighth Generation spirit- a barter for works, vision or courage already paid forward.  So, the only catch is that you’ll have to tell me what you have to barter in 88 words.

HOW DO I ENTER OR NOMINATE?
Read the 88 Words Guidelines (required)  and email me answers to these questions. A photo would be great too. I will collect the nominations and present them in a Facebook album so that other people can show support and maybe get inspired.

Who are you? (8 words)
How have you (or your nominee) demonstrated Eighth Generation Spirit? (80 words max)

SEE THE NOMINEES

I guess it’s poetic that my Grandpa Gong passed away while cooking.

22 years later, when I think of him, I hear a heavy cleaver pounding the counter,  the hiss of red meat tossed into a hot wok, and the inevitable tapping of bamboo chopsticks on ceramic bowls…searching for the last grain of rice. He was a wicked cook, and the sounds of him doing his art make an unforgettable backbeat for the memories of my childhood. Someday, I hope to work the pencil and paints as good as Grandpa worked the rice and veggies.

But I also remember how he sat in his plush recliner puffing on his old-timey pipe and blowing smoke rings to the rhythm of Chinese pop music…all while watching Jeopardy or the Seahawks AND browsing his favorite magazine - National Geographic. 

So the fact that I’m briefly mentioned in this National Geographic (France) article featuring Tracy Rector of Longhouse Media is especially meaningful to me as I reflect a year full of amazing opportunities.

I’m really proud to be included in Native People’s Jan/Feb issue along with fellow artist Chris Pappan and many others. Thank you to Richard Walker for writing such a nice piece and including some statements regarding my desire to do work that is accessible.

“I’d rather have my art available for $1.75 in a grocery store than in a gallery for thousands of dollars and available to only a certain demographic.”

Over the last two months, I’ve had the opportunity to give keynote presentations at the National Indian Education Association’s 3000 member convention in San Diego (video below) and the first ever National Critical Mixed Race Studies Conference in Chicago.  I also had a great time sharing my message about art and identity with over 2000 kids in the Wapato and Toppenish School Districts in a three day whirlwind tour of eastern Washington. Oh- and speaking to the first generation youth and elders at the International District Housing Alliance through a translator was probably the most enjoyable challenge I’ve had as a public speaker!  (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Big thanks to Renee Holt, Patsy Whitefoot, Karen Blodgett, Laura Kina, and Sharyne Shui-Thornton.