About this Sculpture
- Artist: Jason Quigno
- Medium: Limestone
- Size: 11" x 11" x 104"
Seven Grandfathers
About the Artist
Jason Quigno, a renowned Anishinaabe sculptor, was inspired by his uncle’s work and trained under master stone carvers. Today, he is one of the most respected Indigenous sculptors in the Midwest. His work is featured in exhibitions and collections across the country and ranges in scale from small animal carvings to monumental pieces weighing over 100,000 pounds.
Quigno is known for transforming solid blocks of rigid stone into graceful, flowing forms that seem almost weightless as they curl and interlock with a distinct sense of movement.
Seven Grandfathers is one of those works—a contemporary totem that honors their teachings: 1. Humility 2. Bravery 3. Honesty 4. Wisdom 5. Truth 6. Respect 7. Love
This sculpture conveys a powerful message: that we are all connected through the teachings of these Anishinaabe elders, which offer a path to living a good and honorable life.
Location
130 W. Center St. , Douglas, MI 49406
Experience this Sculpture
Walk around the sculpture.
Notice the repetition of circles—look through them, around them, and count how many appear on each side. What surrounds each circle?
Feel the surface of the stone.
Are there areas that feel smooth or rough?
Trace the movement that begins from each circle.
Does it remind you of the sun?
Reflect on the symbolism.
How do the shapes and movement connect to the teachings of the seven grandfathers?
Each open circle can be seen as a teacher, or center of knowledge. Their wisdom, reflected by the spiral lines, flows and spreads to those who listen.
Pause here. Listen closely.
There is much to learn from these elders.
