"Developing Cherokee Youth"

This painting beautifully depicts a young Cherokee girl nurturing bean seedlings, nestled among corn and squash—the revered "three sisters" of Cherokee culture. My intention is to evoke a sense of nostalgia, inviting viewers to reflect on their own childhood experiences while underscoring the significance of imparting fundamental life lessons.

This artwork, measuring 16x20 inches and created with acrylic on canvas, is currently on display at the 2026 Cherokee Nation Homecoming Art Show, available for purchase.

"The Messenger"

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This painting, measuring 11x14 inches, is an acrylic work on canvas. My intention was to capture the beauty and strength of the cardinal, a bird revered by the Cherokee as an ancestral messenger. The orbs symbolize the enduring presence of our ancestors, while the vibrant, glowing colors evoke a sense of mystique. Currently, this piece is on display at the 2026 Cherokee Nation Homecoming Art Show, where it was sold on opening night.

"Walela" (Hummingbird)

This acrylic painting, measuring 4"x4", showcases the hummingbird, a symbol of bravery in various Cherokee legends. Revered as a messenger of hope, it is believed to bring significant gifts, including tobacco, to the Cherokee people.

I created this piece to challenge myself by working on a small canvas while focusing on intricate details. In the artwork, the hummingbird is depicted feeding from thistles, which are traditionally used to craft darts for Cherokee blow guns.

This painting is available for purchase.

"WeavingTogether Generations"

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This 16x20 acrylic on canvas captures a poignant moment: an ancestral hand reaching from the beyond, gently cradling a basket starter. In this evocative scene, a child's hand clutches the basket runner, intricately woven through the spokes of the basket starter, resulting in a stunning creation.

Through this artwork, I strive to emphasize the importance of embracing the wisdom passed down by our ancestors. By doing so, we nurture our potential to become valuable members of society. The child’s hand represents the significance of remaining open to learning, embodying the teachable spirit of youth.

The orbs surrounding the figures symbolize the enduring presence of our ancestors, who guide and protect us throughout our lives. This painting was showcased at the 2025 Cherokee Nation Holiday Art Show and holds special significance, having been acquired by the Deputy Chief of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma.

"Fishing with Grandpa"

Lighting affects the time of day appearance in this painting as shown by both photos of the same piece.

This framed 16x20 acrylic painting on canvas captures a heartfelt moment of a grandfather teaching his granddaughter how to fish. My intention was to evoke a sense of nostalgia, prompting viewers to reflect on the cherished times spent with their elders during childhood, while also emphasizing the importance of connecting with today’s youth.

Both images displayed are of the same painting. I employed a layering technique using various shades of yellow and white to create an optical effect that shifts the time of day in the artwork, depending on the light source. This painting was featured at the 2025 Cherokee Nation Holiday Art Show and is currently available for purchase. 

"They Walked"

This 16x20 acrylic painting on canvas captures a poignant moment in history. It depicts two young children seated on a log along the Trail of Tears, a harrowing journey during the Indian Removal Act that forcibly displaced the Cherokees from their homes, often with little to no warning.

By focusing exclusively on their legs, I aim to emphasize the weary, sore feet of these children, many of whom walked barefoot or in tattered moccasins. This artwork serves as a powerful reminder of the struggles endured by our ancestors, inviting us to reflect on the sacrifices they made for future generations. It’s important to remember that many of these ancestors were children themselves. This painting has been juried and will be on display and available for purchase at the 2026 Cherokee Nation Holiday Art Show.

Claimed is an 11 x 14-inch acrylic painting on canvas centered on the Hen of the Woods mushroom. Known as Wishi in the Cherokee language, this mushroom is connected to a meaningful traditional practice: when a stick is pierced through its gills, it signals that another Cherokee has claimed it for a future harvest. In the background, a blue heron looks on.

This painting was commissioned for a fundraiser and recently auctioned to its new home.

"Gadugi"

(Gah-doo-ghee)

This framed 16" x 20" acrylic-on-canvas painting depicts several generations gathered for a corn-planting ceremony. The word gadugi basically translates to coming together as a community. I created this piece to illustrate how preserving traditions helps communities thrive. The painting was juried and selected for display in the 2026 Cherokee Nation Holiday Art Show.