Before I get to the meat of this....
Contributions to this Indiegogo is a direct show of support to my work. Support can be given by throwing in a buck or two, buying one of the many available paintings I have, or passing this link along to like minded people who would appreciate what I've got going on here.
Support is so important, especially in the performance piece The Last American Indian On Earth. The social and artistic merits of this project are life changing, and soul shaking as it creates a natural and real look at the way people interact with, view and consider Indigenous people with the advent of the Internet, TV, Movies and basic American culture. Projects like this DIE without support.
Supporting by donating here, buying some of my work, or passing this effort to friends or family who are like minded.
Here's the meat:
My name is Gregg....
I am an artist. An Indigenous artist. From my last Indiegogo project, you might know my efforts to bring the performance piece The Last American Indian On Earth to fruition. I am in the throws of this performance piece in addition to my regular body of work: paintings, installations, site specific works. These works are my voice, my life and love and I have to keep them going. A contribution to my ability to finish the first phase of The Last American Indian On Earth as well as the continued effort of my gallery work not only keeps my work going, but keeps my family going as well. The life of a full time working artist often ebbs and flows, and that is why your contribution is so vastly important. The goals behind The Last American Indian On Earth are the following:
- Short film (planning to submit to Sundance for 2014)
- Prints for Gallery work
- Continued performance opportunities
- Various short films for online consumption AFTER initial afore mentioned short film
So, what I need is....
Money to cover small things, which add up. In terms of The Last American Indian On Earth, this cost amounts to various amounts of the following:
- taxis
- gas
- food
- crew support
- equipment support
- fees for submission and accolades
Costs of personal work by Gregg Deal amounts to various amounts of the following:
- Paint
- canvas
- wood
- other materials (paper, paste, photocopies, stencil materials, etc.)
While all of this is important, The Last American Indian is dire as there are deadlines in place for the short film and it's submision. Nevertheless, the funds all go into the continued production of The Last American Indian On Earth AND the continued production of work for upcoming gallery shows and presentations.
Why the hell should I give you anything....
You shouldn't. At least you shouldn't if you don't believe in me or what I am doing. Ultimately this comes down to people supporting me and my work. It's not just about pressing 'like' on Facebook, or ReTweeting an image I posted on the Internet. It's about putting your money where your mouth is. If you appreciate and support, you can throw in a buck. If you really want to make an inpact, you can buy one of my pieces or pass the link onto like minded friends or family to support this important work.
The voice of my work is incredibly important as it speaks with a true voice of an Indigenous person. My work comments on the social aspects of being Indian in the modern day with a tone of humor and irony. In everything I do, be it paintings or performance art, I confront the viewer with imagery that forces consideration and often works as a mirror to the viewer, illustrating their understanding, their thoughts and feelings and willing interaction with Indigenous people, statements, icons, and images. As a Native person, this ist the most important work I have ever done. If you can believe in that and stand behind that, then support me. I am in the middle of shooting The Last American Indian On Earth with photography and video as well as in my studio creating new visual art for future shows later this fall. It's looking pretty epic overall.
