2013 IACA Artist of the Year
Sponsored by Native Peoples Magazine

Diné - Beadwork

	"Indian Girls Go To Balls Too"

I am of the Taabaaha (Waters Edge People) and born for the Tachiinii (Red Running into the Water People). My maternal grandfathers are the Ashiihi (Salt People), and my paternal grandparents are the Kinyaa'aanii (Towering House People).
 
My work identifies myself as an artist, but it also shows where I come from as a young man. I come from a proud family that has always inspired my work and were my first judges, who are always full of encouragement.

 It shows my pride in what I do best and in hopes that it will also inspire a young artist to find their vision. I found my work to always benefit my education because being a full time college student was never cheap. It was a way for me to pay for school expenses because I was never eligible for financial aid. Now to begin my doctoral program for a PhD in Political Science with a dissertation in Public Policy, I find my artwork always being a part of my educational career.

 
Beadwork is a way to express many feelings and thoughts from each moccasin to bracelet made. Silverwork adds to the value of that beadwork, by forming the silver around the beadwork design. My beadwork is always center for each design and it is the silver that protects that beadwork centralized in each piece.

The design is innovative and looks different, but in the manner of how I form the silverwork is something remembered from the past.

The silver is oxidized and stamped like how my Cheii taught me. The beadwork is always floral or similar to leaf designs because that is how the Kiowa are known for their designs. Knowing the effort put into each piece, it is not only a way to support the hardships of college funding, but a way to live and earn a place in history among the showcases of art shows.