Heartbeat of the earth

the long version

The drum is an instrument common to many land-based peoples. Sometimes it is referred to as the "Heartbeat of the Earth." During times of happiness the drum beats faster, and during times of sadness it beats slowly. The front cover depicts a crying clearcut hillside, and the sorrow felt by all First Nations people about the present state of the Earth. Drums are beating slowly everywhere... Heartbeat of the Earth is a striking collection of red and black prints that chronicle the struggles for justice of First Nations people everywhere - from Canada and Wounded Knee, to Chiapas and Nigeria. It also records the peoples' spirited resistance to oppression. Art Wilson's unique blend of traditional northwest coast symbolism with modern-day images is a rich and memorable expression of First nations' consciousness.