Ginew – FIELD COAT FACING EAST

Field Coat featuring the Facing East fabric is inspired by Dad’s Vietnam US ARMY field jacket. He wore his jacket for decades as we would explore the woods, rivers, hills and marshes of the Great Lakes…he taught us to be outside and to hunt while wearing his US ARMY field jacket. Many of our fondest memories as kids with him someway involved his field jacket…and occuring long before understanding what was sacrificed to earn this coat. Now I wear his original field jacket and aspire to create long-lasting memories with our children showing them the woods, waters, mountains and open spaces.

The Field Coat honors his service and enduring commitment to us as children…and we looked to the unique character of his Field Coat to bring this dynamic, 4-in-1 garment to life. Every detail was thoughtfully considered and each inclusion meant to uplift and honor the memories created in the original garment. In addition, this coat pays tribute to all Native Veterans who served in the Vietnam War – you are our parents, cousins, aunties, uncles, jokesters, advocates and heroes… We respect and acknowledge all the things each of you have carried for all of us.

New beginnings surround us…and we look within and to our teachings to hear the voices of inspiration that will guide us forward. Together, we are FACING EAST as we gaze upon what is next.

Artist Statement: “Our sun rises in the east. The Facing East blanket acknowledges ways that Lakota, and other Indigenous people, honor, and express gratitude for the gift of each new day. Embedded within this act of gratitude is a deep respect for, and appreciation of the many cycles and relationships that support life.” ~ Dyani White Hawk

Dyani White Hawk (Sičáŋǧu Lakota) is a visual artist based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. White Hawk, a 2019 United States Artists Fellow, has work among public collections such as the Museum of Modern Art, Walker Art Center, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts Museum.

MATERIALS

• 100% cotton shell
• Detachable and reversible vest
• Hidden hood with drawcord
• 32 oz wool blanket Facing East vest lining on one side (82% wool, & 18% cotton)
• 100% cotton lining on the other side of the vest
• Brass snaps and zipper
• Leather patch
• “US Ginew” embroidery on left chest above pocket
• External pockets have hidden snaps
• Stencil included for personalizing space on right chest above pocket