Painting
I prefer to paint with acrylic as it is what I know for now. Aside from early work, in art school, I enjoy focusing on Indigenous (Native American/American Indian) concepts. I also enjoy abstract work and color emphasis. Place-based knowledge is important to me as I believe it creates a base and grounding in a person. One can flourish if they have a strong base. Much of the knowledge I was raised on (Bitterroot Salish/Absáalooke (Crow)) is place-based knowledge and it has given me the confidence to grow in life.
Indigenous Hillshade (2020). 24" x 36" acrylic on canvas. Shown in the "We are Still Here and this is Our Story" exhibition in the Emerson Center for the Arts & Culture in Bozeman, Montana.
Chickens are a Sign of Welcoming (2018). 8" x 8" acrylic on canvas.
Fancy in an Old Style Tipi (2021), 28" x 22", acrylic on canvas. Purchased by YWCA's Meadowlark health center in Missoula MT.
Tipi Villa (2021). 22" x 28" acrylic on canvas. (sold)
The Search (2021). 24" x 30" acrylic on canvas. In recognition of the constant search for Missing and Indigenous Murdered Women (MMIW). This will was shown at the Bigfork Art & Cultural Center's "Expressions of Resilience - Art, Poetry, and Traditional Crafts by Indigenous Women." (exhibition dates: 5/7/21-6/26/21). It was sold and all funding was donated to the family of Jermain Charlo to aid in the search for Jermain.
Tipi On The Block (2021). 22" x 28", acrylic on canvas. This was shown at the Bigfork Art & Cultural Center's "Expressions of Resilience - Art, Poetry, and Traditional Crafts by Indigenous Women." (exhibition dates: 5/7/21-6/26/21).
Horse (2021). 24" x 24" acrylic on canvas. Illustration for children's book, "Elk Morning Counts HIs First Coup."
Journey to an Enemy Camp (2021). 24" x 24" acrylic on canvas. Illustration for children's book, "Elk Morning Counts HIs First Coup."
Elk Morning's Vision Quest (2021). 24" x 24" acrylic on canvas. Illustration for children's book, "Elk Morning Counts HIs First Coup."
Elk Morning Counts Coup (2021). 24" x 24" acrylic on canvas. Illustration for children's book, "Elk Morning Counts HIs First Coup."
Dogwood Bloom (2021). 24" x 30" acrylic on canvas. Was shown in "Knowledge from Land" exhibit at the University Center Gallery at the University of Montana, in Missoula MT. Back imagery depicts a hillshade map of the present-day Missoula and Lolo Valleys. These are aboriginal territories of the Bitterroot Salish people. This bloom is integral to a nutritional aspect of food staples.
The Dogwood Bloomed (2021). 24" x 30" acrylic on canvas. Shown in "Knowledge from Land" exhibit at the University Center Gallery at the University of Montana, in Missoula MT and "In Dreams" exhibit at The Myrna Loy in Helena MT. Back imagery depicts a hillshade map of Western Montana. The dogwood is a measurement which determines other plant knowledge, such as sap running in the spring.
When Dogwoods Bloom (2021). 24" x 30" acrylic on canvas. Shown in "Knowledge from Land" exhibit at the University Center Gallery at the University of Montana, in Missoula MT and "In Dreams" exhibit at The Myrna Loy in Helena MT. The bloom from the dogwood tree in Western Montana and the bitterroot plant are linked. The background imagery is a hillshade map of the area ranging from Missoula valley to Whitehall MT area.
Slaq (2021). 24" x 30" acrylic on canvas. Shown in "Knowledge from Land" exhibit at the University Center Gallery at the University of Montana, in Missoula MT and "In Dreams" exhibit at The Myrna Loy in Helena, MT. Slaq, or the berry from the dogwood tree in Western Montana are ready 45-60 days after the tree has bloomed. This is an important food for the Bitterroot Salish people. The back image depicts a hillshade of the Jocko Valley.
Red Winged Blackbird (2021). 24" x 30" acrylic on canvas. Shown in "Knowledge from Land" exhibit at the University Center Gallery at the University of Montana, in Missoula MT. The back imagery is reminiscent of the present day Missoula valley.
Chokecherries and Elk Whistles (2021). 24" x 30" acrylic on canvas. Shown in "Knowledge from Land" exhibit at the University Center Gallery at the University of Montana, in Missoula MT and "In Dreams" exhibit at The Myrna Loy in Helena MT.
When Wild Roses Bloom (2021). 24" x 30" acrylic on canvas. Shown in "Knowledge from Land" exhibit at the University Center Gallery at the University of Montana, in Missoula MT and "In Dreams" exhibit at The Myrna Loy in Helena MT. The back imagery is reminiscent of the valley in present day Arlee MT. When wild roses bloom it tells the people of seasonal changes.
Bitterroot at Pipestone (2021). 24" x 30" acrylic on canvas. Shown in "Knowledge from Land" exhibit at the University Center Gallery at the University of Montana, in Missoula MT and "In Dreams" exhibit at The Myrna Loy in Helena MT. The back imagery depicts a hillshade of the present-day Whitehall MT area.
Peeled Bitterroot (2021). 24" x 30" acrylic on canvas. Shown in "Knowledge from Land" exhibit at the University Center Gallery at the University of Montana, in Missoula MT and "In Dreams" exhibit at The Myrna Loy in Helena MT. The back imagery reflects the land near the present-day Flathead River.
Bitterroot Belongs in the Place of the Small Bull Trout (2021). 12 canvases, 12" x 12" acrylic on canvas. Shown in "Knowledge from Land" exhibit at the University Center Gallery at the University of Montana, in Missoula MT. The background imagery depicts a hillshade map of the present day Missoula valley, known as The Place of the Small Bull Trout for the Bitterroot Salish People.