Ootemin — Art Installation & Exhibit
Artist: Ootemin (Linda Fay Lawrence)
Role: Creative Collaboration, Sales & Marketing Support
Focus: Northern Indigenous Art, Eagle Imagery, Cultural Storytelling
Role: Creative Collaboration, Sales & Marketing Support
Focus: Northern Indigenous Art, Eagle Imagery, Cultural Storytelling
Overview
Ootemin is the professional artist name of Linda Fay Lawrence, a Northern Indigenous artist whose work centers on the strength, spirit, and symbolism of eagles. This project involved supporting and collaborating on a public art installation that showcased her work within a community-facing space.
The collaboration focused on maintaining cultural integrity while helping position her work for broader engagement and long-term sustainability.
My Role
I collaborated closely with Ootemin to support both the creative presentation and the business side of her art practice. My contributions included:
Supporting sales and marketing efforts for the exhibit
Providing thoughtful critique to help clarify and define her artistic style
Assisting in shaping a sustainable business model for her work
Helping translate artistic intent into accessible storytelling for audiences
This was a collaborative, relationship-based process rooted in trust, respect, and shared goals.
Process & Approach
Cultural Listening: Understanding the meaning and teachings behind the eagle imagery
Style Definition: Supporting consistency in scale, themes, and presentation
Audience Engagement: Helping frame the work in a way that invited conversation and connection
Business Clarity: Assisting with pricing, positioning, and long-term direction
Outcome & Impact
Delivered a successful public art installation in a community gallery/café setting
Increased visibility and engagement with Ootemin’s work
Strengthened clarity and confidence in her artistic direction
Established groundwork for future exhibitions and collections
Reflection
This collaboration reinforced that design thinking extends beyond digital products. Listening, iteration, and respect for lived and cultural knowledge are essential when working with creative partners—especially in culturally grounded work.
