Pink, Red and Blue Cloud beaded cuff

The beauty of the prairie deeply resonates in my work, reflecting my identity as an enrolled member of the Oglala Lakota Tribe and my upbringing on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Growing up surrounded by a vibrant music and art culture, I developed a passion for creation that has only deepened over time. After earning my BA in art from Black Hills State University and exhibiting at the Sioux Indian Museum in Rapid City, I ventured east, seeking new opportunities to expand my artistic voice.

However, through this journey away from South Dakota, I discovered a profound longing for home. Living on the East Coast, I found myself drawn to express the beauty and magnificence of the Black Hills and the skies of my childhood. As I began to sketch landscapes and clouds, a powerful realization emerged. This work was a tribute to my roots and a connection that resonated with collectors and galleries alike. Their enthusiastic response encouraged me to share my art back home, and I began to receive recognition for my explorations.

Ultimately, I recognized the importance of returning to my origins. Missing my family and the inspiring landscape of my homeland, I immersed myself in the thriving Native art scene of South Dakota—a community that had evolved in my absence. It was both surprising and invigorating to create a body of work that invited others to recognize me as "the cloud guy," a testament to the impact of my artistic endeavors. I strive to draw viewers into my interpretation of the natural elements and seasonal changes that shape my environment. My mastery of graphite captures the subtlest moments of the land, and my careful use of color, inspired by beadwork, reflects the prairie grasses, stormy skies, and the power of the buffalo.

My artistic practice is rooted in expressing my Lakota culture—its stories and its essence. The skies of South Dakota, where I spent countless hours playing hide-and-seek in the tall grasses, continue to inspire me. I draw upon Lakota legends, the wisdom of Mother Earth, and the strength of my relatives and community— the Oyate (the people). Growing up in a family of creators, from making buckskin calendars to beading and gardening, I realize how deeply their artistry has influenced my own. I plan to challenge myself through various mediums, including drawing, beading, and painting. I am dedicated to works on ledger that celebrate my Lakota community, who exemplify resilience, compassion, and generosity—a tribute to the spirit of our ancestors and the strength of those who continue to inspire me today.