Wee ‘Eyoohiinkem
All Our Relatives
“Singing of the Birds” 30”x15”
Acrylic on Canvas
A cherished tradition among the indigenous tribes of Southern California is the art of Bird Singing and Bird Dancing. These tribes have passed down songs that hold significant meaning in special ceremonies, while many others are joyously shared within the community. Bird singing is a profound experience of harmonizing together in perfect unison, a melody that resonates through generations. With these hands, I sought to capture the essence of this harmonious tradition, honoring the shared heritage of Southern California's tribes and surrounding areas.
In the collection of Dr. Eric Tippeconnic
“Peon” 24”x36”
Acrylic on canvas
Within the cultural tapestry of Southern California tribes, the ancient guessing game known as Peon finds its roots. Enduring through generations, this captivating game continues to be cherished at local gatherings, drawing admiration from the tribe I've had the privilege to engage with. Guided by the skillful hands of Angel Jimenez, a passionate player of Peon and a proud member of the Kumeyaay tribe, the essence of this traditional pastime comes to life, connecting us with the timeless spirit of indigenous games.
In the collection of Dr. Joely Proudfit
“Good Medicine” 9”x20”
Acrylic on canvas
Bird singing is performed in a line, with the leader in the middle. The songs are sung in a specific order, from dusk to dawn, over multiple days. The rhythm is created by gourd rattles filled with dried palm seeds. Sung in harmony these powerful feelings coming from these men give off what I like to call “good medicine.” The hands depicted in this painting is of Blue Eagle Vigil of the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians.
“Tule Boat” 24x24
Acrylic on canvas
Tule boats were important to our tribes as they were used to travel, fish, and trade amongst other tribes. Today we still learn how to harvest tule and create these boats. One of the greatest teachers on making these boats is Dr. Stan Rodriguez whose hands I have captured tying the end of a tule boat together
“Tastes like Tradition” 30”x15”
Acrylic on canvas
Revitalizing Indigenous dishes and ingredients are still important to many native people but to create those dishes with a modern twist has been art for this Chef. Chef Pyet (Prairie Band of the Potawatomi) is the first winner of Next Level Chef and is sharing her talents still today. This painting shares we are still carrying the traditions of our food sovereignty.
“Native Love” 30”x40”
Acrylic on canvas
“Grand Entry” 24”x48”
Acrylic on canvas
The Grand Entry begins with flag bearers, often veterans, carrying eagle staffs, the U.S. flag, tribal flags, and more as Native Americans honor the U.S. flag. Behind them are headstaff, royalty, and dancers—men first, followed by women. Once everyone enters the arena, the entrance song concludes, followed by songs to honor the flag and veterans, then an invocation. Spectators are asked to stand, and men to remove their hats during the Grand Entry, flag song, and invocation. This eagle staff is being carried by Chuck Cadotte (Dakota Standing Rock Sioux Tribe)
In the collection of Quannah ChasingHorse
“The Weaver” 16”x12”
Acrylic on Canvas
Basket weaving stands as one of the most ancient traditions woven into the fabric of tribal communities worldwide. Locally, the artistry of these baskets tells a unique tale, with distinctive patterns denoting belonging to specific tribes. This tradition, bridging the past and the present, endures, carried forth through generations. These skilled hands draw inspiration from the teachings of Lorene Sisquoc, a respected figure of the Ft. Sill Apache and Cahuilla tribes, celebrated for her unwavering dedication to preserving and passing down this sacred knowledge.
In the collection of Brandee Bird Annis
“Páaxwichat” 18”x24”
Acrylic on canvas
Beadwork stands as a cornerstone in native fashion, weaving intricate patterns into jewelry, regalia, and a myriad of other items. More than mere craftsmanship, beadwork embodies a profound sense of connection. Through the artistry of beading, I've encountered a tapestry of extraordinary individuals, their talents shimmering like the beads they work with. Whether crafting earrings inspired by fellow artists or discovering new talents at social events, beadwork has been a catalyst for meaningful connections. These hands draw inspiration from the skillful touch of Virginia Aguilar, a gifted local beader hailing from the Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, enriching this craft with heritage and artistry.
In the collection of Chrystal Aguilar
“Chiyow” 9”x20”
Acrylic on canvas
Bird singing is a cultural tradition for many Native American tribes in Southern California. It's a way to share the tribe's history, culture, and language through song and dance. These hands are of Jamie Lebrake of the Sycuan Band of Kumeyaay Indians.
“Hunuukvetam” 60”x48”
Acrylic on canvas
Hunuukvetam, meaning our ancestors in Tongva, is a reflection of how our ancestors are there with us singing through the important stages of life. This can include a coming of age, a celebration of life and everything in between. This picture captures the use of clapper sticks that are used as an instrument to sing songs past and present. When these songs are sung I know that our ancestors before us are singing along too.
“Mal Mal” 36”x24”
Acrylic on canvas
With the colorful ribbons, the intricate beaded patterns an the graceful moves, this youthful powwow dancer has definitely proven her skills and dedication to the art in the arena. This painting is of Cierra Leyva (Morongo Band of Cahuilla Indians)
“Tišle” 20”x30”
Acrylic on canvas
A lot of responsibility comes with being the caretaker of a Tomol. Chumash relative, Spenser James, holding this tîsle (oar) as he paddles as one of the several individuals who move together in these traditional sea vessels.
“Blessings” 30”x15”
Acrylic on Canvas
In the heart of Southern California, our blessings unfurl in the fragrant tendrils of burning white sage, a sacred ritual enshrined in tradition. Yet, this age-old practice, once revered and private, has sadly been misappropriated as a mere trend. The true essence of this ancient custom, steeped in spiritual significance, remains unparalleled. These hands draw inspiration from the teachings of Chris Devers, a revered member of the Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians. It was his profound wisdom that graced my graduation honoring ceremony, infusing it with the authentic sanctity of the ages.
In the collection of Dr. Joely Proudfit
“Native Royalty” 36”x24”
Acrylic on canvas
Holding the title of native royalty—be it a princess of a tribe or an ambassador of an organization—means embodying the highest ideals of leadership and inspiration for the community. This painting celebrates all royalty, with a special focus on Ms. Priscilla Sawah as she crowns the new Miss Kumeyaay, Harmony Sweetgrass. This moment symbolizes the commitment to represent the community and serve as a positive role model. The little hearts featured in the artwork are painted by the current Tule River jr. princess, Tulie-Rose Garfield, along with current candidate Willow Garfield, adding a personal touch to this celebration of heritage and unity.
In the collection of Harmony Sweetgrass
“Woven Through Generations” 15”x30”
Acrylic on canvas
The act of braiding becomes a powerful symbol, as we intertwine three sections of hair, each one representing the mind, the body, and the spirit.
In my youth, my mother would braid my hair, creating cherished moments that have left an indelible mark on my heart. As the passage of time bestows maturity, I find myself continuing this reciprocal tradition by braiding her hair as she gets older and its my turn to return the favor. The hands that perform this act of love and tradition are mine, as I braid my mother's hair.
In the collection of Marcia Amezcua
“Woven through Traditions” 24”x24”
Acrylic on canvas
While visiting in Northern California I had the opportunity to meet new friends. Maggie Peters along with her daughter Naerew (Hoopa) shared with me that it is traditional that your basket cap be placed by someone else as opposed to placing it on yourself. This is especially special that it is a mother and daughter sharing that tradition.
In the collection of Chrystal Aguilar
Bird Dancer 30”x15”
Acrylic on Canvas
Along with bird singing are the bird dancers. The men dance as well but they dance with sharp and pronounced movements, while women have a more graceful and stationary style of swaying or hopping from left to right with the songs. The dancers featured in these paintings are Alexandra Valle (Kumeyaay), Virginia Aguilar (Luiseño, Desert Cahuilla), Mejaumi Franco (Desert Cahuilla),
“Kelly Myers” 30”x15”
Acrylic on canvas
This memorial piece is of the late Kelly Myers (Pomo). Kelly Myers was a very loved and important Tribal justice judge. Because of her importance within Indian Country there was a scholarship that was placed under her name and this piece was gifted to the family of Kelly Myers.
In the collection of Nikki Myers
“Tulie & Willow” 36”x 24”
Acrylic on canvas
These talented girls (6), Tulie-Rose and Willow (Mescalero Apache & Tule River Yokut) are small but have big personalities. Tulie recently passed down her crown as a tiny tot princess for Big Pine and Willow just won her crown for Tule River Jr Pow Wow Princess.
“Vessel for my Prayers” 40”x30”
Acrylic on canvas