Beyond the Art

What if artwork could be a powerful tool to reclaim and preserve a culture? Join us in an engaging conversation with John Pepion, a distinguished artist from the Blackfeet Nation in Montana, as he shares his remarkable journey and the rich heritage that fuels his creativity. John’s decision to embrace his art full-time in 2009 was more than a career move; it was a commitment to his roots and a dec...

Growing up amidst the vibrant swirl of a powwow family, one can't help but be swept up in the creative current. That's precisely what happened to Joe Big Mountain, a Quill artist of Mohawk and Comanche heritage, who joins us to recount his fascinating journey into the art of porcupine quillwork. His story is not just about the personal revival of a painstaking craft, but also a heartwarming glimps...

When the threads of heritage entwine with the pulse of modern fashion, the result is nothing short of mesmerizing. Kayla Lookinghorse, a Standing Rock Sioux Tribe member and visionary fashion designer, graced our podcast with the story of her brand, K Looking Horse. She paints a vivid picture of her design philosophy, where beadwork, quillwork, and bold geometric patterns from Lakota and Dakota cu...

Embark on an enthralling expedition through the ever-evolving world of Native American art with our esteemed guest, Cannupa Hanska Luger. A Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara artist whose creative roots were nurtured by his mother, Kathy Whitman Elk Woman, Cannupa guides us from the spoken cadences of poetry to the earthy intimacy of clay. His artistic odyssey is a testament to the power of medium explorati...

Celebrated Indigenous filmmaker and fashion designer Peshawn Bread graces our podcast with her powerful insights and inspiring journey. As we traverse the landscape of Peshawn's artistry, she unveils the rich tapestry woven by her Comanche, Kiowa, and Cherokee heritage into her creative work. From film to fashion, Peshawn champions the representation of Indigenous queer narratives, ensuring that j...

When the threads of tradition intertwine with the vibrant beads of the present, remarkable stories unfold. This is precisely the experience we share with Jori Brennon, the extraordinary bead artist from Plains Creek nation, whose artistry dances between his heritage from Frog Lake First Nation and the pulsing energy of Toronto's diverse art scene. Through his skilled hands, pow-wow grass outfits b...

The brushstrokes of Nani Chacon, a visionary artist with roots in the Diné Navajo tradition, color our latest podcast episode with stories of transformation—from urban graffiti to grand murals. Her artistry takes us on a journey that transcends mere aesthetics, crafting spaces that echo with community voices and cultural dialogue. As Nani shares her process of intertwining personal and cultural na...

When the raw emotion of our heritage bleeds into the canvas of our present, the art that emerges is nothing short of mesmerizing. That's what we discovered as we sat down with Nicholas Galanin, an artist whose Tlingit and Unanga roots are as integral to his work as the paint on his palette. His story, a testament to the enduring spirit of indigenous peoples, weaves through his art, capturing heart...

When KP from Black Belt Eagle Scout graced us with her presence, we were struck by the serendipity behind the band's name—a tale woven from spontaneity rather than premeditation. She enchanted us with stories of how her Indigenous roots and personal voyage infuse her music with both healing and understanding—a soundscape where love is the enduring motif. As we conversed, KP unfolded the narrative...

When Michael Clawson stepped through the doors of the Native American and Western Art Collector Magazines, he brought with him a tapestry of journalistic experience that would color the world of Indigenous art in new, profound ways. In our latest conversation, we journey with Michael from his days at ASU's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism to his current role as Executive Editor, where his comm...

Join us as we welcome the multifaceted Kalyn Fay, a musician and assistant curator of Native Art, to share her inspiring story on Beyond the Art. Kalyn opens up about her evolution from a potential career in medicine to one richly woven with her Native American heritage and love for the arts. Listen in as she recounts her journey of self-discovery and the serendipitous moments that led her to embr...

Discover the powerful intersection of art, advocacy, and Indigenous heritage with our guest, Jeremy Dennis of the Shinnecock Nation. Through the lens of his dynamic digital photography, Jeremy captures the essence of his tribe's annual pow-wow, bringing to the forefront the vibrant narratives of Native American creation stories. As he shares the profound influence of his roots on his work, we expl...

Ever been captivated by the sheer intricacy of beadwork or wondered about the stories woven into each piece? Martha Berry, a Cherokee National Treasure and bead artist, graces our podcast with a vivid tale of heritage and identity, stitched together with the timeless artistry of her people's beadwork. We unravel her deeply personal connection to the craft, from the early days of reviving ancestral...

Step into the creative mind of multifaceted Native American artist, Gregg Deal, on this episode of Beyond the Art. Join us as we traverse the inspiring landscape of Gregg's journey, from overcoming personal adversities to become a celebrated artist. His transition from graphic design to painting during his college years epitomizes his boldness and tenacity in the face of challenges. Gregg's indige...

We're thrilled to introduce you to a truly fascinating and gifted artist, Heidi Brandow, in our latest episode of Beyond the Art. Heidi, a remarkable testament to the flourishing intersection of Native American art and cultural identity, shares compelling insights into her journey as a Native Hawaiian and Diné Navajo artist. Alongside her exploration of cultural heritage, Heidi unveils her unique...

Listen in as we embark on an enlightening journey with our esteemed guest, Tony Enos. A talented singer, songwriter, and producer hailing from the Echota Cherokee tribe, Tony shares his inspiring journey in the music industry. He opens up about his artistic process, how he draws inspiration from his dreams and everyday experiences, and the powerful influence his Native American identity has on his...

Join us on a captivating journey with our esteemed guest, Kyle Kauwika Harris, a noteworthy filmmaker and screenwriter of Chalk Dot and Hawaiian descent. We delve deep into his personal experiences, his early love for movies, and how his indigenous identity influences his craft. It's an inspiring narrative of passion, perseverance, and the power that comes from authentic storytelling. Our conversa...

We are thrilled to welcome Lehuauakea Huihui, an extraordinary Native Hawaiian artist and bark cloth maker, to Beyond the Arts. Known for her deeply inspired artistic creations, Lehuauakea Huihui champions her Native Hawaiian identity and cultural heritage through her exquisite works of art.  Our engaging conversation with Lehuauakea takes us through the meticulous process of creating bark cl...

Listen in as we converse with Chef Sean Sherman, an esteemed member of the Oglala Lakota Sioux tribe, as he unravels his journey from a humble restaurant worker to a culinary revolutionary. We learn about his quest to understand and reclaim the lost Native American culinary heritage. His compelling journey took him from understanding the history of Native Americans to the reason for the loss of so...

Ever been intrigued by the melodic fusion of cultural heritage, personal experiences, and exploration of gender diversity? Join us as we navigate the creative journey of the exceptional Native American artist, Marca Cassity, and discover how their music serves as a beacon of change and acceptance, transforming the narrative through the power of indigenous sounds.  Delve into Marca's life as a...

Ever wondered about the journey of a storyboard artist from the heart of the Native American community? Meet our guest, Joe Williams, a Dakota Nation citizen of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, who not only paints the world with his storyboards but also hosts the successful podcast, 5 Plain Questions. Joe takes us on a fascinating journey from his early art student days to his role as the Director of...

Join us as we explore the vibrant world of indigenous pop culture with Callie Chunestudy, the Cultural Events Project Manager for Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism. We take you behind the scenes of SkasdiCon, an indigenous-themed comic con brimming with panels, screenings, and a thrilling cosplay competition. This one-day gathering in Tahlequah is an explosion of creativity and culture, open to mem...

For the artisans among us, step into the world of three Cherokee clay artists – Jane Osti, Karin Walkingstick, and Tama Roberts – in a conversation as rich as the earth they shape. Their unique journeys, the interweaving of their cultural heritage with their artistry, and their rise in the art world, serve as a testament to Native American women's resilience and creativity. Their narratives are no...

Get ready to ignite your imaginative spirit as we journey with Preston Singletary, a proud member of the Tlingkit tribe and a master of the mesmerizing art of glass blowing. His Native American heritage shapes his unique artistic vision, reflecting in his intricate multi-stage process of sculpting hot glass. Infusing traditional Northwest Coast designs with his own modernist twist, Preston turns t...

Get ready to join me, your host Cray Bauxmont Flynn, as I engage in an enlightening discussion with the multifaceted artist Debra Yepa Pappan. Debra opens up about her dual heritage, being Korean and Hamis Pueblo, and the immense impact it has had on her art. Her artwork serves as a mirror to her identity, drawing heavily from her personal experiences, her pride in being a mother, and her rich cul...