Her ancestry is a mix of Native American and European ancestry.
The Complexities of Identity
As a member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, Kitana Connelly’s identity is deeply rooted in her Native American heritage. However, her ancestry is also a blend of European and Native American bloodlines, making her identity complex and multifaceted. Her Native American roots are tied to the Umpqua, Klickitat, and Molalla tribes, which are all part of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. Connelly’s mixed ancestry has led to a unique cultural identity that is shaped by both her Native American and European heritage.
“I want to help people find their own path to healing and self-discovery through creativity.”
The Power of Sacred Flow
Sacred Flow is a concept that refers to the state of being fully immersed in an activity, where one’s skills and abilities are matched by the challenge, resulting in a sense of optimal engagement and enjoyment. This state is characterized by heightened focus, creativity, and a sense of flow, which can lead to increased productivity, motivation, and overall well-being. Key characteristics of Sacred Flow: + Optimal challenge: The activity is engaging and challenging, but not overwhelming. + Merging of action and awareness: The individual is fully present and aware of their actions. + Loss of self-consciousness: The individual becomes fully immersed in the activity, letting go of self-doubt and criticism. + Sense of control: The individual feels a sense of agency and control over the activity. + Time dilation: The individual loses track of time, becoming fully absorbed in the activity.
The Healing Power of Creativity
Creativity has long been recognized as a powerful tool for healing and self-discovery. Through creative expression, individuals can tap into their inner world, process emotions, and gain insight into their thoughts and behaviors.
She also mentions that she will be releasing a companion book to the story, which will include the notes from the ceremony and other related materials.
The Story Behind the Book
Connelly’s book is a labor of love, born from her own experiences and inspirations. She shares the story of how she came up with the idea for the book, and the various iterations she went through before finally settling on the final product.
Early Renditions and Inspiration
Connelly’s journey began with a simple idea: to create a book that would inspire and motivate others. She drew inspiration from her own life experiences, as well as from the lives of those around her. She wanted to create a book that would help people find their own path and purpose. Some of the early renditions of the book included: + A more introspective and personal approach + A focus on the importance of self-care and mindfulness + A more spiritual and philosophical approach
The Art of the Book
Connelly’s book is not just a written work, but also a visual one.
A Journey of Self-Discovery and Artistic Expression
Kitana Connelly, a member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, has been on a journey of self-discovery and artistic expression. Her story is one of resilience, passion, and the pursuit of her dreams.
Drawing inspiration from iconic heroes, Connelly crafts her own unique creations.
She drew inspiration from her favorite comic book characters and incorporated elements of their powers and personalities into her own creations.
Early Life and Influences
Connelly’s love for drawing and comic books was evident from a young age. She spent hours poring over her favorite comics, studying the artwork and trying to recreate the characters in her own drawings. Her parents encouraged her interest, providing her with a steady supply of comic books and encouraging her to develop her skills. Some of her earliest influences included Wonder Woman, Black Widow, and Storm from the X-Men.
She had to balance her responsibilities as a caregiver with her passion for art, but she found that her art was suffering. “I was making art, but I wasn’t making art for myself anymore. I was making art for my brother, for my family, for my community. I was making art to survive, not to thrive,” Connelly explained.
The Struggle is Real: Balancing Art and Responsibility
Connelly’s story is not unique. Many artists struggle to balance their creative pursuits with the demands of everyday life. Whether it’s caring for a family member, working multiple jobs, or managing a household, the responsibilities of life can often take precedence over artistic endeavors. But what happens when the passion for art is put on the backburner, and the creative spark begins to fade? The pressure to produce and the fear of failure can be overwhelming
Finding a Way Forward
Connelly’s decision to leave art school was not an easy one.
It is a portrait of Connelly herself, painted in a style reminiscent of the 19th century.
The Art of Twahna Creation
Twahna Creation is a unique and captivating art series created by Connelly. The series is characterized by its use of traditional techniques and materials, blended with modern sensibilities and a dash of whimsy. The artwork is a reflection of Connelly’s personality and style, showcasing her creativity and artistic vision.
Key Features of Twahna Creation
Inspiration and Influences
Connelly’s inspiration for Twahna Creation comes from a variety of sources, including her love of art history, her fascination with mythology and folklore, and her own personal experiences.
Twahna is a name that reflects her personality and values. Her name is a combination of her name, Kitana, and the Chinuk Wawa word “T’wax,” which means light.
The Meaning Behind Twahna’s Name
Twahna’s name is a unique blend of her personal identity and cultural heritage. The combination of her name, Kitana, and the Chinuk Wawa word “T’wax” is more than just a creative expression; it holds deep meaning and significance.
A New Chapter in Connelly’s Career
Connelly’s appointment as the Artist and Educator Coordinator at Confluence marks a significant milestone in her career. This role not only solidifies her position as a respected artist but also underscores her commitment to empowering the Native community through art.
The Intersection of Art and Education
As the Artist and Educator Coordinator, Connelly will be responsible for developing and implementing art programs that cater to the diverse needs of the Native community.
Come and be with us, and let’s work through this together.”
The Power of Vulnerability
In a world where emotional expression is often stigmatized, Connelly’s words offer a refreshing respite. By embracing vulnerability, we can create a culture of empathy and understanding, where individuals feel comfortable sharing their struggles and emotions. Vulnerability is not weakness, but rather a sign of strength and courage. It requires a willingness to be open and honest, even in the face of uncertainty or fear. By sharing our vulnerabilities, we can build deeper connections with others and foster a sense of community.
The Benefits of Vulnerability
Research has shown that vulnerability can have a profound impact on our mental and emotional well-being. When we feel safe and supported, we are more likely to:
Creating a Culture of Vulnerability
So, how can we create a culture that encourages vulnerability? Here are a few strategies:
Overcoming Fears and Barriers
One of the biggest obstacles to vulnerability is fear. What if others judge or reject us?
The book explores the concept of sacred flow, a state of being where one is fully immersed in the activity, losing all sense of time and self. The author, Connelly, draws on her own experiences and those of others to illustrate the transformative power of creativity and connection with nature.
The Concept of Sacred Flow
Sacred flow is a concept that has been explored in various fields, including psychology, philosophy, and spirituality. It refers to a state of being where one is fully immersed in an activity, losing all sense of time and self. This state is characterized by heightened focus, concentration, and a sense of flow, which is often accompanied by feelings of joy, excitement, and fulfillment. Key characteristics of sacred flow include:
The Role of Nature in Sacred Flow
Nature plays a significant role in facilitating sacred flow. Being in nature has been shown to have a profound impact on our well-being, reducing stress and anxiety, and promoting feelings of calm and relaxation.
A Journalist’s Quest to Amplify Marginalized Voices
Nika Bartoo-Smith is a journalist driven by a desire to amplify the perspectives of marginalized communities, which frequently fall through the cracks of the mainstream media. Her commitment to centering the voices and experiences of these communities is unwavering, and her work reflects a deep understanding of the power dynamics at play.
A Complex Identity
Growing up in Portland, Nika’s diverse heritage has shaped her perspective and informed her approach to journalism.
