What are you?

This is a question I've heard many years of my life. I've used the question to share more about my heritage as a citizen of the Eastern Shawnee Tribe, and having immigrant Great and Great-Great Grandparents from Norway and Yugoslavia (now known as Croatia). These self-portraits explore this theme with intention to honor all of my ancestors. Each portrait was created during a personal portrait project from 2023-2024.

Ancestor Joy by Holli Margell

Self-portrait created to honor Eastern Shawnee, Norwegian and Yugoslavian ancestors. Printed on canvass, frame inlay with satin ribbons. Measuring 8 inches wide and tall, 2 inch depth.

Heritage Lines by Holli Margell

Self-portrait connecting red yarn to 4 generations of family lines, Holli holds these ties close to heart.

Printed on canvass, frame inlay with yarn, canvass stitched with red thread. Measuring 8 inches wide and tall, 2 inch depth.

Rising by Holli Margell

Self-portrait with 3 layers of black and white photographs representing, past and present. Created in June 2024. Printed on Canvass mounted in a needle point circle frame, adorned with yarn and beads. Measuring 14.5 inches wide and tall, 2 inch depth.