TORN
Nathan Lomayesva: TORN
Artist’s Statement:
My sculpture portrays the struggle I and many other urban Natives living in cities have with conforming to a capitalist, material-based America, where the focus, teachings, and morals lead us astray from love of our ancestors. We live in a society that of greed that prioritizes individual success instead of humanity and graciousness.
Artist Bio:
Born in Oakland California and raised in the Bay Area, Nathan is a student, artist, and participant in the Bay Area Native Community. His artwork derives from his own life experiences and views on life. His work usually consists of simple materials, such as clay, paint, and pen. He uses these mediums to translate his thoughts into the world.
Quarantine Integration
Jeffrey Martinez: Quarantine Integration
Artist’s Statement:
This painting features my bedroom window, outside of which is a depiction of a traditional ceremony called Sundance. I view Sundance as a representation of not only my traditions, but also my cultural values: Respect, Wisdom, Generosity, Courage, Fortitude, Compassion, and Humility. It represents a foundation I can ground to, a constant reminder of my roots, where I came from, and those who helped me get to where I currently stand. Throughout quarantine, I am challenged with presenting my best self to the outside world from the confines of my house, and this piece shows where and how I draw the strength to do so.
Artist Bio:
Born and raised in Oakland California, Jeffrey Martinez is a current student at the University of California, Berkeley. His art, through the use of various mediums, primarily focuses on representing his various interests and culture. His finished works usually manifest in the form of drawings, paintings, and/or miniature three dimensional models.
Life in Quarantine
Sierra Jenkins: Life in Quarantine
Artist’s Statement:
I created my painting based off of living in quarantine. This is my perception of the pandemic we are living in. The lockdown has often made me feel trapped with the only escape of reality is my imagination and dreams. I created a girl trapped in a cage in the wandering sky. The girl is physically restricted in a cage representing the lockdown. I painted the sky with pastel colors depicting the freedom of imagination.
Artist Bio:
I was born and raised in the Bay Area. I am a student at Berkeley City College, where I major in biology. My art is inspired by my biracial roots, coming from two strong ethnic backgrounds, African American and Native American.
Resilience
Kiona Young: Resilience
Artist’s Statement:
In my piece, I have a young lady dancing the jingle dress dance. I was taught that the jingle dress dance is a healing dance. The color of her dress is red to represent MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women). She is also wearing a mask that is reflective of the current time we are living in.
Artist Bio:
My Name is Kiona Young. I am 14 years old and my tribes are Cherokee, Choctaw, and Apache. In my spare time, I like to play softball and basketball.
Rezpect our Water
Bianca Williams: Rezpect our Water
Artist’s Statement:
This piece represents the current struggles and hopes of Native communities around the globe. The name of my piece is a nod to the “Rezpect Our Water” campaign started by Indigenous youth from the Standing Rock Reservation in opposition to the Dakota Access Pipeline. My piece showcases the continuous battle Native communities have to take part in to access clean water. The fight to protect and provide water to Native communities continues to this day.This collection of photographs is a representation of the initiative to provide clean water for hand washing and other sources of water during COVID-19. The assortment of photographs demonstrates the support communities have given to one another to ensure the safety and security of each and every community affected. The painting of the man represents the roots our ancestors have laid on this land and the sense of fellowship and reverence Natives have with each other.
Artist Bio:
Born and raised in Oakland CA, Bianca is a high school student who aspires to be a neonatal nurse. She is dedicated to learning about her Indigenous culture and customs. Bianca has worked with many youth groups that work around self and cultural identity.
