Finally I get to upload the 2 images that had the greatest deal of cultural significance.

After I had closed commissions for the 10 slots of NWP animals, 2 people [coincidence?] contacted me in regards to getting a “late spot” and both requested kangaroos [coincidence?].

I actually had a lay over in time responding to the both of them because this meant I had to go back and ask permission.
Everything about Native culture is about permission. No one can entitle themselves to do ANYTHING without having the blessing, guidance, and- of course- the permission from the Elders of the “Older Folk” (there is a difference between being old, and being an Elder).

After already straining my capacity to do mythic creatures, I even thought of myself bold and somewhat rude for going back and asking to cross one of those “final” lines- asking to draw an animal that was NOT local to this continent.
Instantly, I was refused. And I admit, I didn’t put up a fight because I walked in there already feeling as if I was asking for too much and just being “greedy”.
But luck [coincidence?] would have it, as all Native centers, locals, and organizations do- they were hosting Aboriginals from other parts of the world.

You see, it isn’t uncommon to find a Band hosting someone from another country- in the NCC (Native Canadian Center- where I work) we have hosted, Ainu, Sami, Maori, and even African Aboriginals of many varieties.
That day, the local organization was hosting a small presentation of Koori folk (I think there was a Nunga amongst them as well, not 100% sure) who had come with an art-presentation group. Like most cultures, creating performing groups to travel the world and present their culture on a world stage while raising awareness of their political plights in their home country.
I hung around for the performance [obviously] and lucky for me, one of my local friends was far more pushy and persuasive than I- and somehow began to inquire with the foreign troop if they would be interested in an “Exchange”.
This is one of those concepts in Native culture which I like the most- you see, “paying a price” does NOT refer to actually paying money. It usually means having to do something a lot greater than that, and when it comes to “exchanging” or “trading”- you might actually be trading a lot more than you bargained for.
My friend enticed the Koori men to want to see some of their homeland creatures drawn out in the local art style. They then asked what would need to be done in order for them to “obtain” that, and of course as most Native cultures usually do, immediately went to speak to the Elders. A “trade” was set up where the Koori men would trade some of their art [carvings] and songs in exchange for a few images drawn in NWP style. Like the NWP culture, the rights to carve or depict a certain figure will remain familial, or even personal depending on the situation. It was then set up that I would have to “trade” something in order to be one of the artisans to depict certain figures. I accepted, and was granted to choose one of the animals- I chose Kangaroo so that I could suffice the commissions as well.

One of the reasons it took me SO long to post these was because I was completing the “price” for my side of the deal, and only finished them about a day or two ago. I would have waited for the post to deliver my part of the bargain before I did, but I was assured that I could after I had sent out the package, and not wait until it arrived.
Let’s pray that it WILL arrive safely, otherwise I’m going to look like a thief!

With these, my slots of the super-cheap NWP commissions [and some of the non-traditional content] come to an end. I’m not sad about it, because there is a lot of work to be done on my end for few projects- but it certainly was quite the experience to live through!