Ixtli White Hawk

indigenousart@icloud.com

Biography

Ixtli is of the Pochteca, of the Mexika Tenochca (Aztec), from Iztacalco and Tlacopan, now part of Mexico City, Mex. She is also Otomi and Tarasco; currently residing in occupied Coast Salish Territory. She was born into the traditional dance circle, surrounded by art and culture from birth. Ixtli was raised within native communities throughout Turtle Island. Her father, a muralist with an infinite creativity and love for traditional arts taught her to see the world through the eyes of an artist. Her parents were her first teachers, followed by many traditional artists that have shared teachings and art forms of their particular tribes. Her art is ever changing and evolving through the years. Although she creates art in various forms, her work often gravitates around Indigenous traditional art. Ixtli is also a printmaker, having studied at NSCC under Amanda Knowles, has learned other forms of expressing her creative self. She has exhibited at various galleries and shows in Seattle. One of the beauties of printmaking has being being able to create intricate depths and substance through her visual art and finding ways to recognize and incorporate printmaking within traditional arts. Ixtli has been traveling the world from a very young age as the spokesperson for TLOKE-NAHUAKE Traditional Aztec Fire Dancers, the family dance circle. Serving as ambassadors throughout the North American continent reconnecting with other Indigenous communities, and continuing her ancestors mission. Primarily working with tribes, schools (elementary to universities) and museums. Presenting dance, art, culture, music and language through performances, workshops and residencies. Her artistic work and community involvement is an expression of her Mexika roots; as she lives and thrives in two worlds. She is part of community and environmental efforts to ensure Indigenous identity, wellbeing, and natural resources will continue being a reality for our children and children’s children. She encourages and supports family unity; as well as nurturing a creative and open mind for children through cultural programs, performances and workshops.

Artist Statement

Its tough for me to put it in writing, but being at the front and center with this pandemic, human rights revolution, spiritual work, Indigenous rights issues, and historical trauma; while tending to my own ptsd and my mom’s battle with cancer- I need this. I need to have this outlet to scream to the world of injustices, of trauma, of solidarity and of joy. When I create, it helps my spirit release that, and find peace. Creating art is a form of healing for myself, my spirit and ancestors. As an Indigenous woman, I have to fight to be seen and heard, and I still do not see myself represented in most spaces. However, an Aztec Codex, well, that is like a family photo album. I can recognize myself, my relatives, our ways of life, our foods, ceremonies- everything that is familiar and that makes me who I am. I want my great grandchildren to look at my art, and see themselves. I want them to feel it, to recognize our ancestors and the living legacy of love and prayers they are.

Statement of Intent

If I am awarded a residency, it will help bring to life a lot of what I have been creating and carrying this year. This year has brought me to spaces to. My people created the Florentine Codex while on quarantine during a pandemic in the 16th century Mexico City; where so much of our history, beliefs, arts, and concepts of society were recorded in a series of these books. The recording of these parts of my culture ensured the preservation of knowledge otherwise we wouldn’t have today. As my main body of work, I want to create a series of Aztec Codex to tell our stories of 2020; as tough as its been, but centering them in the beauty of community. This codex will be a glimpse and testimony of this 2020 through my experiences as a Mexika-Tenochca (Aztec) woman. The Florentine Codex has been such a huge part of myself this year, and I know I need to document these times as my responsibility to my ancestors and future generations. Everything that has kept myself, my family and community safe is because it has been centered in traditional practices.