Area Voices: Jakob Littlewolf finds passion in acrylic pouring

NAYTAHWAUSH — An artist can’t predict what medium will spark creativity. Jakob Littlewolf discovered his inspiration only after experimenting with different styles.

Around two years ago, Littlewolf tried to find an art form he could do to help make some extra money to cover bills. He first tried beadwork, but it didn’t feel quite right. Then his mother recommended trying acrylic pouring paint.

“I tried that and just loved it,” he said.

Acrylic paint pouring is a fluid paint technique where artists pour paint onto a canvas. This allows creators to apply colors in puddles, pools or marble-like patterns.

Littlewolf was drawn to the saturated colors of metallic paint. Dark backgrounds with vivid colors on top spoke to him.

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Jakob Littlewolf

Littlewolf is from Naytahwaush, a community of about 500 people on the White Earth Nation in northwest Minnesota. Art caught his eye when he was 9 years old. That was when the Gizhiigin Arts Incubator started in Mahnomen.

“My mom was part of the group that had first kind of organized and started that,” Littlewolf said. “So, I got to watch them create an exhibit and create a gallery right there ... really close to my home. And that inspired me, being able to see everyone's work there and getting to see them progress in that way and be admired for their talent.”

Littlewolf said he usually starts with an idea in his head before painting. Then, from lots of experimenting, he figures out the technique to get the idea onto canvas. Sometimes he tries to tell a story with the painting, which can determine the colors.

He also waits for inspiration before he creates. Some days can be very productive, where he makes paintings back-to-back. If he finds himself in a creative block, experimental techniques help inspire him.

Creating a painting for Littlewolf takes about an hour and a half. He spends the first hour listening to music and focusing on the idea he wants on the canvas. Once he starts pouring the paint, he has to move quickly, so it doesn't crack or get tacky.

Even though Littlewolf grew up around art exhibits at the Gizhiigin Arts Incubator, he is still surprised to find himself an artist. He described himself in “repetitive disbelief.”

“I feel really proud. I always wanted to be a part of that. I just wasn't sure how," he said. "Now that I'm creating and I'm part of these exhibits and things like that, the only way I can really describe it is just feeling super proud and really validated.”

Littlewolf has found another benefit to painting: It has helped him strengthen his sobriety. Having faced alcoholism in the past, art has been instrumental to his recovery.

Littlewolf said it’s been an amazing experience getting positive responses to his paintings.

“My friends and family telling me my artwork is really good and commending me for that is one thing, because they're my friends and my family, and they're supposed to do that," he said. "But when it's strangers, people that I've never met, and they're like, ‘Wow, this is amazing’ ... that shoots me to the moon.”

Littlewolf’s work is currently on display at the Watermark Art Center in Bemidji as part of the “Minwaajimowinan-Good Stories” exhibit. He also posts his work on Facebook.

Tell us about upcoming arts events where you live in Northern Minnesota by emailing psa@kaxe.org.

Area Voices is made possible by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and the citizens of Minnesota.