Inspired by the writings of Robin Wall Kimmerer, I created this illustration to help emphasize the point she makes in her book The Serviceberry.

Kimmerer is a popular author, botanist, and Citizen of the Potawatomi Nation. Like many others, I was woken up by her book Braiding Sweetgrass, and followed her subsequent work.

Kimmer discusses The Gift Economy:

In a market economy, where the underlying principles are scarcity and maximizing return on investment, the meat is private property, accumulated for the well-being of the hunter or exchanged for currency. The greatest status and success comes from possession. Food security is assured by private accumulation.

 

 

In contrast, gift economies arise from the abundance of gifts from the Earth, which are owned by no one and therefore shared. Sharing engenders relationships of goodwill and bonds that ensure you will be invited to the feast when your neighbor is fortunate. Security is ensured by nurturing the bonds of reciprocity. You can store meat in your own pantry or in the belly of your brother. Both have the result of keeping hunger at bay but with very different consequences for the people and for the land which provided that sustenance.

She references writings by Daniel Everett, a linguist who describes his experience with the Pirahã people of South America:

When I asked them why they don’t smoke or salt meat to preserve it for the future, one Pirahã said to me: “I store my meat in the belly of my brother. When I give him food, he will give me food. That’s how we preserve meat – we take care of each other.” -Daniel Everett

Much like this illustration found on pinterest, I'm hoping painting about the gift economy will rewire my own being.