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Collaboration: Jenny Fraser and James Luna: TANDANYA

Documentary directed by Michelle Blakeney

PERFORMANCE BY JAMES LUNA: KNOW YOUR POINTS

WRITING BY James Luna

“TAP IT DOWN”
(“PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY”)


"I truly believe that it is a gift to be an artist - an artist, a dancer, an actor, a writer. And there's something else I want to share with you as an artist. That “art has saved my life, if not certainly extended it.” In this thing that we call art, I have been able to quell the anxiety and anger inside me, because I have been able to express it. I have explained to myself that no one else could explain to me, about bringing in the good to replace the bad at times when I needed to, and it has allowed me to heal.

When the Villains first played this song for me 'Pacific Coast Highway”, I was totally blown away because I had these wonderful visually and moments about my association with PCH. I was fortunate to grow up near the beach and it was a big part of my life, and where I lived, to get to the beach you crossed PCH. In California, that road follows you from the South to the North and she was always on the left hand side, like a friend. I spent many days of my youth under the sun and in the water, with friends, and by myself. I have many memories that are both good and bad about the great Pacific Ocean.

I thought about how many of us Indians on the coast believe when you pass on, you pass through the western gate, to that other life. I thought about Wilbert Joseph Nelson, Willy, my best friend, who recently passed through that gate. The song took on another significance for me. I don't know how to explain a friendship about brother hood, about being from the tribe, about men. Let the healing begin, let the healing begin.
"

James Luna
transcribed from 'Three Stories' CD

INSTALLATION BY JENNY FRASER AND JAMES LUNA

Picture
left: midden book. centre: name that beach movie video and print series I by Jenny Fraser. right wall: James Luna campfire video.
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