When choosing a haiku for the Syracuse Poster Project, I typically look for a poem that can evoke a theme that lends itself towards the representation of the Native American aspect.

The Haudenosaunee I believe requires representation when discussing or defining the essence of Central New York through art. For the city of Syracuse itself rests upon the homeland of the Onondaga Nation.

The symbol choices of my piece rest upon key colors and shapes. The green rolling hills and wintergreen mountains harken to “the people of the hills.” The gleaming shape of ambers, oranges, and reds are that of the Central Council fire of the Haudenosaunee, the capital of the Confederacy. Finally, a woman sits carrying the world, for our society is that of the matriarch, and our world is that of the mother.

I chose this poem because there weren't many that talked about Native Americans. As I am an Onondaga, of the snipe clan and I currently reside on the reservation with my family. When this assignment was given to us we had the Iroquois Nationals here finishing up. Originally I had three main sketches for this particular poster, the one I settled on was the old styled Great Lakes Lacrosse Sticks and an art deco themed design with a sunrise and hills which resembled traditional Iroquois bead work patterns. I don't know where my work is going to take me. But my home and Syracuse have been a great place of inspiration for me.

When I was given the allotment of poems, the one that struck me was the poem about Alf Jacques. His recent passing in my community has been tough for all, and I felt compelled to honor his memory with this illustration.

My go-to process is to sketch, draw, and ink in separate parts. Once I complete the inking for the main subject, background, and any extras, I scan the items digitally and begin the coloring process. The coloring process allows for experimentation and room for error, which can be easily corrected. Every year for The Poster Project I like to try new techniques, styles, and color choices while attempting to give a Native American theme, calling back to Haudenosaunee culture which inhabits Central New York still to this day.

Living on the Onondaga Nation, I am quite familiar with the Central New York area and its history. When constructing my piece, I try to mix old with new, and drawing on the haiku for inspiration. I wanted to incorporate Haudenosaunee dancers with a local Syracuse fountain. Originally, it was a draw between the Franklin Square fountain and the Columbus fountain.