Artist Statement
My artwork is a contemporary representation of our family life-ways and ancient designs of the Southeast. My designs are greatly inspired by the Mississippian Culture Period – an early civilization located in the southeastern United States and ancestors of the Chickasaws. My artwork often features designs from ancient shell work and pottery such as sun circles, water designs, and animal effigies—all of which were important aspects of southeastern culture.
Some of my works also feature floral images, gourd-shaped pots, and feature traditional foods such as possum grapes, squash, and berries. Other artworks are focused on textures and patterns such as basket designs and nature elements. All of my pots are hand-built by the coiling method and smoke fired in cedar branches and pine needles.
My goal is to create new life into our ancient ancestor’s designs and make them relevant to today. I believe its possible to tell our cultural stories and share our tribal family values in a modern context and make a connection to others through our art.
