Tehatsistahawi (Tsista, pronounced "Jee-sta") Kennedy, also known by his artist name Hot Dog Water Art, is a professional artist recognized for his Woodland-style art. Though he decided in 2020 to focus his efforts fully on his art, he has been growing and developing his style since his earliest years in elementary school in the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB).
Tsista's learning journey began at Elizabeth Ziegler Public School. Tsista remembers creating art in Kindergarten, with some of his earliest drawings inspired by the Pokémon game.
By Grade 3, he was drawing on everything, from blank sheets of paper to class notes and even on school assignments.
"I was drawing so much, I got a note sent home to my parents asking me to stop drawing on my school work," said Tsista. "My parents just chuckled because they recognized I had such a passion for it."
Art quickly became an outlet for him. During his time at Elizabeth Ziegler, he remembers his teachers being incredibly supportive of his creativity by printing blank comic book paper so he could draw his own comics or by finding sketchbooks to help him collect his art in one place.
After moving from Elizabeth Ziegler to MacGregor Senior Public School, Tsista continued to expand his interests and skills, finding that his experience as a competitive swimmer helped him to succeed in sports like wrestling and track and field.
Refining His Craft
It was in Grade 8 at a track meet, while sitting in the bleachers, that he discovered his affinity for Woodland-style art. He began sketching a snapping turtle using fine-tip felt markers. The piece, which he later discovered had many of the elements of Woodland-style art, came naturally.
"I decided to post it online after and sold it for $100," said Tsista. "In that moment, I realized I had created something that felt so natural to me, and that I could sell it. That's a pretty big realization when you're 13."
As he moved on to secondary school, Tsista attended the Integrated Arts Program at Eastwood Collegiate Institute, further exploring his creativity supported by educators through the arts-based program. Though he only attended Eastwood for his Grade 9 year, he fondly remembers learning about the behind-the-scenes technical aspects of creative production. After Grade 9, his family moved to London, where he continued refining his craft.
In Grade 10, he began taking on art commissions. At 17 years old, he purchased an iPad and Apple Pencil and began creating the digital art he is now known for.
Today, Tsista's work reflects a blend of his ancestry as an Anishinaabe Onyota'a:ka artist from Beausoleil First Nation and Oneida Nation of the Thames and a member of the Turtle Clan, as well as his personal interests.
Influenced by both his Anishinaabe and Oneida heritage, his art often merges storytelling traditions with contemporary perspectives. While Woodland-style art is commonly associated with Anishinaabe culture, he also incorporates Oneida stories and themes into this style. He also draws inspiration from video games and pop culture.
A Practice in Learning and Creating
As a self-taught artist who has been refining his craft over many years, Tsista recognizes the struggle many new artists face when they first start. To those considering a journey into art, or who may be scared to even begin, he often points to children's creativity as a reminder of what art is at its core.
Kids don't worry about whether the colours make sense; they're just creating for the sake of it. That's something we lose over time," he said.
For those just starting or working towards their next level, he emphasizes exploration and play. As skills develop, he encourages artists to reflect on their unique voice, style and what stories they want their work to tell.
Celebrating Alumni of the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB)
Graduates of the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) are accomplishing incredible things in our community, our country and around the world. We are putting a spotlight on their success in their chosen pathways and how their time at WRDSB supported them to graduation and beyond. WRDSB provides students with a solid foundation for success, and we are excited to celebrate the contributions and achievements of WRDSB alumni.
Learn more about our incredible WRDSB graduates.
