I have always loved creating. I do not remember ever not creating; whether it was drawing, sculpting or simply imagining the possibilities. Coming to college I spent three years as a Biology major and loved every minute of it; the lessons I learned about anatomy and light have made my work stronger. I love to paint landscapes, faces and figures. I also love color and the relationships of one color to another.
I'm Santa Clara-Tewa Pueblo Indian. My heritage is very close to me and influences my artwork with nature and spiritual elements. I'm also a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and am currently attending BYU-Idaho. My religion plays a very strong part in directing who I am developing into as an artist.
I'm Santa Clara-Tewa Pueblo Indian. My heritage is very close to me and influences my artwork with nature and spiritual elements. I'm also a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and am currently attending BYU-Idaho. My religion plays a very strong part in directing who I am developing into as an artist.
"Our Heritage" Bachelor of Fine Arts Exhibit
Artist’s Statement CLICK HERE TO SEE PICTURES
In these modern times it’s hard to remain true to a heritage that is thousands of years old. With instant satisfaction dominating modern culture, ancient ethnicity can quickly fade away if not fought for. How does the current generation show how their past has made their present?
With the paintings I created I chose to reveal a moment that goes beyond time, when that person is connected to their ancestry, when they are truly themselves. Within each portrait is captured the feeling of each person: dignity, oppression, hope. I painted each figure life-size because they are real people and I wish for you to see them as they are. These are my peers, they are holding tight to their heritage. But we are young; our lives remain unwritten. We hold in our hands the power to do something wonderful for our people. May our heritage forever remain within us.
My mother and father have taught me the ways of my people. I am forever in their debt. I am Santa Clara Tewa Indian. I am proud of who I am. And I will never forget.
I would like to recognize all those who have played a part in this project. Something of this magnitude would not be possible without the support of family, friends, and new friends. In particular I would like to thank Kent Fredrickson. He helped me to cut, glue, stain, and hand varnish all the frames. Without his contribution this exhibit would not have been the same. Thank you to everyone; for within me there is a part that comes from you. You are part of my heritage.
In these modern times it’s hard to remain true to a heritage that is thousands of years old. With instant satisfaction dominating modern culture, ancient ethnicity can quickly fade away if not fought for. How does the current generation show how their past has made their present?
With the paintings I created I chose to reveal a moment that goes beyond time, when that person is connected to their ancestry, when they are truly themselves. Within each portrait is captured the feeling of each person: dignity, oppression, hope. I painted each figure life-size because they are real people and I wish for you to see them as they are. These are my peers, they are holding tight to their heritage. But we are young; our lives remain unwritten. We hold in our hands the power to do something wonderful for our people. May our heritage forever remain within us.
My mother and father have taught me the ways of my people. I am forever in their debt. I am Santa Clara Tewa Indian. I am proud of who I am. And I will never forget.
I would like to recognize all those who have played a part in this project. Something of this magnitude would not be possible without the support of family, friends, and new friends. In particular I would like to thank Kent Fredrickson. He helped me to cut, glue, stain, and hand varnish all the frames. Without his contribution this exhibit would not have been the same. Thank you to everyone; for within me there is a part that comes from you. You are part of my heritage.