Zara Zote

As of late I’ve been considering my art and position within the community. I’ve always felt a responsibility as a creative to educate, inform and provoke thought within my work. Recently, I have been faced with a challenge that is driving me to research where exactly I am, in as literal a term as possible. I stand on ground that is named, Sarasota, but what exactly is this place and what can history tell us?

With brief research, the Seminole Indian tribe appears. This bit of information I found to be quite disturbing;

“The unique confluence of culture and circumstance which would become today’s Seminole Tribe of Florida can be traced back at least 12,000 years, say researchers.”

So, as it comes to be of great importance, I feel it necessary to dedicate my time to pronouncing the lack of the native in this place I have come to call home.

9.10.2009 …

People / Places including in project;

• James Monroe: 5th U.S. President (1817–1825)
• Andrew Jackson: 7th U.S. President (1829–1837)
• Holata Micco (Billy Bowlegs: Alligator Chief): leader of Seminoles during 2nd and 3rd Seminole Wars
• Asi Yahola (Osceola): Seminole war chief during Second Seminole War
• The Whidden Family
• Peace River, Charlotte Harbor
• http://www.historicspanishpoint.org