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Individual Artist

Collaboration of Derek Mortland and Michael Joseph Ulery
Composers/musicians/art's advocates
Columbus and Sunbury

Nominated By: Laura M. Jay

Ohio musicians Derek Mortland and Michael Joseph Ulery have accomplished a depth of creativity and virtuosity that stems from 20 years of working together. By blending Native American musical traditions, Mortland and Ulery have created a Native American Music Awards nominated project called 'Sketches of the Inner World' (SOTIW) to further these traditions through modern music technology. Ulery, self-taught from the age of 12, plays a variety of musical instruments including the mandolin, traditional Native American flute and drums. With a vision of combining spirituality with musical influences, he has developed a strong and unique style while exploring his Blackfoot ancestral roots. As he stated in an interview; “If music is truly from the heart, it should have the ability to move you.” Ulery has been nominated for a New Age Reporter Lifestyle Music Award in four music categories. His success has been written about in the articles of Acoustic Magazine UK and the national magazine, The Indie Review. Derek Mortland began playing guitar at age eight and had formal lessons starting at 11. He continued a self-taught path when he played in a jazz band during high school. However, his life changed dramatically in 1997 due to a paralyzing semi-pro motorcycle accident. Mortland had to re-learn guitar and break through new musical barriers. “I sustained a spinal cord injury and head injury,” says Mortland. “I had to totally re-learn how to do many things we generally take for granted.” As a guitarist, he has a unique musical style and has been involved with public speaking and workshops, showing others their creative potential. Performing in festivals around the world through the Artists with Disabilities Network, Mortland’s work has been recognized with grants from the OAC and National Endowment for the Arts. He also assists other artists with disabilities through his work as artist services’ coordinator for VSA Arts Ohio. Collaboratively, Ulery and Mortland’s contributions continue to be vital to the growth and development of Ohio’s artistic landscape. They are educational advocates whose efforts are not limited to those with disabilities. Both have worked with prison outreach programs, presented to statewide flute circles, and performed for the International Native American Flute Association. They continue to perform for festivals that encourage environmental causes and bring people together for celebration, education and stewardship. Their efforts in bringing together cultures with their art demonstrate their passionate commitment to their craft and their communities.

Derek Mortland and Michael Joseph Ulery
Video tribute (7:25 minutes)