Write Around PAM: Shaun Peterson

Ravens hold special significance and symbolism in many cultures and traditions, and especially in the Coast Salish peoples of the Pacific Northwest, as seen here in Shaun Peterson’s Circling Ravens II. These birds are woven into art, into storytelling, into deep personal and cultural connections. Peterson, whose Native name is Qwalsius, uses the phrase “traditional innovation” to describe how his work integrates traditional Coast Salish imagery and stories with contemporary materials and issues. “I hope people are interested to learn more about the stories behind the pieces themselves,” he says. We encourage you to begin with the artist’s website and blog.

Taking this piece as inspiration, we invite you to spend some time today considering an animal, plant, or other part of the natural world that carries deep symbolism or meaning for you, and then writing about it.

First, spend a minute writing a list of 5 animals, plants, or other things from the natural world that are meaningful to you. They can be as specific or as general as you’d like. 

Then, choose 1 item from your list and use it as inspiration for this freewrite. 

We have 2 prompts to help you get started. As always, you can use one, both, or write whatever else comes. Just set a timer for 12 minutes and keep your pen or pencil moving.

I’ll never forget… /  You taught me…

Writing in community is powerful. We are grateful to our longtime partner Write Around Portland for the writing prompts and inspiration. You can revisit past posts in the PAM+NWFC blog and look for new posts every Sunday. Please share your work with us! @writearoundpdx @portlandartmuseum #RespectWritingCommunity #WriteAroundPAM #qwalsius @qwalsius