‘I’m a Proud Canerican Like Neil Young:’ Joni Mitchell on U.S. Citizenship, New Book of Paintings
Joni Mitchell has become a dual US and Canadian citizen, 62 years after moving to the United States. She says she sought citizenship so she could vote, and describes herself as “a proud Canerican like Neil Young”.
Mitchell will release *NEWS*, a book of 23 paintings about the 24-hour news cycle, on 4 November, shortly before her 83rd birthday. She conceived and designed the book herself, calling it a visual protest and saying artists have a duty to speak up; signed editions and an auction will support four charities.
- Mitchell became a US citizen so she could vote.
- Her new book features 23 paintings responding to the news cycle.
- Proceeds from a signed-book auction will benefit four charities.
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Joni Mitchell is a Canadian singer-songwriter and painter who moved to the United States in the 1960s. Neil Young, another Canadian-born musician who later became a US citizen, has also used the blend “Canerican” to describe a connection to both countries.
People who become US citizens can vote in federal elections and gain other rights and responsibilities. Mitchell says voting was her reason for applying; her new book brings together paintings responding to the continuous flow of television and online news, and proceeds from special editions and an auction are set to support four charities.