Exploring the Artistic Journey of Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley in "Mooz / Moose"

Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley, a talented Anishinaabe artist and author-illustrator, recently shared insights into the making of her delightful new children’s book, Mooz / Moose, which arrives as her second release following Boozhoo! / Hello! The book, beautifully translated by Mary Ann Corbiere, captures the whimsical adventures of a cat named Mooz, whose name means "moose" in Anishinaabemowin.

About "Mooz / Moose"

At its core, Mooz / Moose is a playful exploration of identity, humorously contrasting Mooz's cat-like antics with the majestic attributes associated with her namesake, the moose. “I know a cat named Mooz, which means moose in Anishinaabemowin. But is she really a moose?” Pawis-Steckley muses. Her intention was to create a light-hearted narrative that resonates not only with children but also serves as a fun introduction to the Anishinaabemowin language.

The Process Behind the Book

Pawis-Steckley describes her creative ambitions for Mooz, noting the significance of her name and its inherent humor when considering a small cat alongside a large moose. This narrative style aligns well with her previous work, aimed at introducing Anishinaabemowin to toddlers through relatable comparisons drawn from nature.

The most challenging aspect of creating this book, she reveals, was generating animal comparisons that remained true to the woodland ecosystem of the Great Lakes region. Initially, some drafts included comparisons that strayed from this theme. “I wanted to keep it to animals you could find within woodland ecosystems,” she explains, while ensuring that each animal featured reflected Mooz’s spirited character.

In terms of rewards, the joy of sharing Mooz with a broader audience stands out for Pawis-Steckley. “When I received my first copy of Mooz / Moose, I was thrilled to see the continuity with Boozhoo! / Hello! side by side,” she reflects. The emotional connection to her work is further emphasized as she enjoys reading the book with her daughter, using it as a tool to instill language learning.

Illustration Techniques

Pawis-Steckley's illustrations for Mooz / Moose were created using her tablet, which she describes as her preferred medium due to its flexibility and the expansive range of brushes available that mimic traditional techniques. This modern approach allows for a fluid creative process, making it easier for her to work wherever she is.

While she values digital illustration, Pawis-Steckley has expressed a desire to return to traditional methods such as pastels and watercolor in future projects. “I started my art practice with paints and it would be nice to move back in that direction,” she admits, hinting at an eagerness to explore different styles.

Upcoming Projects

Looking ahead, Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley is busy working on several exciting new projects. One of these is Wiisni-Daa! / Let's Eat!, the next installment in her series, which focuses on a girl’s culinary journey with her family. Additionally, she is illustrating her first graphic novel, Indians Do Cry, a profound story centered around the impacts of residential schools on Indigenous families, written by Duncan McCue.

In a particularly creative twist, she is also developing a young adult graphic novel titled Lil’ Sabe, which features a teen bigfoot navigating the human world while addressing themes of environmental issues. This project encapsulates a blend of fantasy and real-life challenges faced by Indigenous communities.

Artistic Collaboration

Addressing the question of collaboration, Pawis-Steckley has a charming vision for a potential autobiography, wishing for her wife, Maria-Margaretta, to take on the writing task while her young daughter, Mino, illustrates it. “She’s already exploring many artistic styles and loves creating stories on the whim,” Pawis-Steckley shares, hinting at family creativity that’ll continue to blossom.

Conclusion

In closing, Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley expresses gratitude for the opportunity to share her creations with the world, especially her beloved character Mooz. As Mooz / Moose releases today through Groundwood Books, readers eagerly anticipate what this dynamic artist will produce next. With a delightful mix of humor, education, and an unwavering connection to her heritage, Pawis-Steckley’s work promises to captivate and enrich the lives of its readers.

Special thanks to Mangeshig and Groundwood for the engaging visuals and insights into her artistic journey.