Native Max Magazine Winter 2013 | Page 10

STYLE MAKE US PROUD AIM FORWARD Louis Still Smoking is a Blackfeet artist who wants to pass the struggles and stories of A.I.M. to the next generation. L ouis Still Smoking, a Blackfeet artist, is currently working towards a studio art degree at Montana State University along with a minor in Native American Studies. Still Smoking got inspiration for his latest work through his research on A.I.M (American Indian Movement) activism, protesters, the distress flag, and the need to express historical figures through line and color. Still Smoking wanted to give awareness to their struggle to the next generation of protesters and activists. The oil painting took 2 1/2 months to paint and one day to install the entire piece at the Montana State University Art Building where it is currently located. The installation includes a 5 foot oil painting of 10 NATIVE MAX MAGAZINE WINTER 2013 Dennis Banks, painted red poles representing tipi poles in the shape of the distress flag, and free spelled backwards with white paper behind the red poles. To view more of artist Louis Still Smoking’s work, visit his website at www. stillsmokingart.com. His painting is located at the Montana State University Art Building. Do you have a story to tell? Make us proud by sending us your inspirational story to info@ nativemax.com. Please include an essay of 250 words or less and a high res photo of yourself. PHOTO COURTESY OF LOUIS STILL SMOKING By Kelly Holmes SPRING REFRESHING A refreshing take on spring style; page 16 WINTER 2013 NATIVE MAX MAGAZINE 11