Statement:

Over the past year, I’ve been focused on producing a body of work that reflects how I feel as a woman/female? and an American Indian, living in the 21st Century. In this body of work I have strived to illustrate how I feel about the ancient legacy of my heritage while at the same time acknowledging the present day and age. Each piece reflects my understanding of Caddo culture and the fight to maintain a place for it in today’s world.

With the election of a new president, climate change and social oppression, I feel it is more important than ever before to have a voice and to be heard. In NATTIH (the Caddo word for….), I share what it feels like being a young Native American woman trying desperately to understand a culture and history that’s been hindered through years of domination, suffering and genocide. The Raven in some American Indian stories is black because as he brought the light or sun to his people so they didn't have to live in darkness. Because of this his feathers were burned black. I use black clay to embody the Raven as well reference traditional Caddo pottery, which is usually all black. NATTIH means Woman in Caddo which is written across her torso in red. I choose to use the colors black, white and red because they are simplistic yet powerful. Her top illustrates the shawls we wear when we dance which have fringe that hangs from them. NATTIH means Woman in Caddo and is a representation of myself and a voice for others who share my same story. A story of understanding self, culture and defining what that means in today’s society.