Social and political issues drive my art and creativity.
I want to bring some humor into difficult or painful subjects to help open up the topic for examination. Although my politics may seem “Liberal” I see them as more N8tive and social justice motivated rather than following a particular party line. My undergraduate degree was in Environmental Health and Community Medicine and I worked for the Indian Health Service, then a local county health department. I’ve also worked for the Seattle Indian Health Board and of course as a middle school teacher in Washington and New Mexico and for the longest stint at a prominent Native school in Santa Fe, New Mexico. These values, experiences and influences inform my work.
Andrew Jackson as Hitler Jacket -
Beadwork close up
America’s Dirty Laundry Collection
Sometimes good people do bad things.
America’s Dirty Laundry Collection started with beaded portraits of Notable Americans who participated in atrocities against Native Americans during the "Blackhawk Wars." Later I was inspired again by President 45 and made a new set just for the Orange One.
I’ve also made a large portrait of Andrew Jackson as Hitler, and a smaller loomed portrait as a purse.
Airing out some of America’s dirty laundry is like shining light into shadows. Please try to find the humor in these creations, humor is where truth often hides!
Andrew Jackson as Hitler Jacket -
Glass seed beads embroidered on size M suede jacket. Blue beaded star with red bead blood streaks on right shoulder.
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