“Mishi Bizhiw, Great Panther – Family of Spring Stars”

Annette S. Lee, Spring 2022

An animation acknowledgment of the bright Ojibwe Mountain Lion constellation of Spring in the night sky and the joyful budding flowers on the land.

The night sky is a relationship. Knowing the stars is visiting with relatives each Spring. When I look to the south an hour after sunset in the Spring I am thrilled to visit with Mishi Bizhiw, the Great Panther or Curly Tail. The teachings of the Panther to me are about relationship to water, survival, and hope.

When Mishi Bizhiw, the Great Panther is first seen rising in the east during long, cold mid-Winter nights in January a feeling of hopefulness surges through me. I can see the new season rising in the east, I can imagine the snow melting, the cold weather losing its grip slowly but surely. I want to do a cartwheel to celebrate.

When I see the brown dirt, and smell it for the first time in six months, it blows over me and through me like a strong wind. Just like magic, the snow melts, the rain flows, and brown dirt gives way to a rainbow array of bright spring flowers. Wow. Spring flowers are miracles of pure joy.

Project Overview:

The Ojibwe Panther is called Mishi Bizhiw. It is the bright constellation of Spring. On the land, the flowers come alive at the same time as the Great Panther is shining bright in the night sky.

Software:  Adobe After Effects

Specifications:  Animation Short (1:00)

Project:  “Anchored to Earth by Starlight, Art as Social Practice’

Funding: Minnesota State Arts Board  -Creative Support for Individuals – FY 22

Completed:  2022

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Annette S. Lee is a fiscal year 2022 recipient of a Creative Support for Individuals grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.