An inspiring trip to Alaska led artist Sam Zimmerman / Zhaawanoogiizhik back to his Ojibwe roots, a journey he captured through paintings and stories.
In the late 2010s, Zimmerman refocused on painting, turning to the stories of his family and Ojibwe community. With the help of an Ojibwemowin speaker, he preserved these stories in both English and Ojibwemowin. From July 2019 to July 2020, he created works inspired by family lore, Ojibwe traditions, and the landscapes of northern Minnesota.
His art blends oral histories, nature, and personal experiences, featuring Lake Superior’s North Shore, clan animals like moose and wolves, and the night sky. Influenced by abstract and expressionist color theory, his work also highlights care for the environment.
Following My Spirit Home showcases over 80 vivid images paired with stories—passed down from elders and rooted in Ojibwe tradition—while also supporting language revitalization.
156 pages
Dimensions: 10 in. x 9 in.
