Do you want to start with the easy stuff, like art what brought you into painting?
I got into painting because as a child it was a way for me to express myself. I really enjoy other types of self expression, especially music, but I didn't have a natural talent for it. So, as I got older I discovered I had a real need to communicate in a visual sense. When I was in college, I was not confident enough to talk about my work and because of that I don't think people really took me seriously as an artist. After I graduated and began getting into shows, only then did others recognize my work on a serious level
I have to say about seeing the last two shows of your most recent work, besides the obvious change of your name there seems to be an underlying thread of spiritual evolution. I would imagine making the newer works was even more so.
Well, yes, I am certain there is something spiritual to them in nature. I think my painting and especially the current work relate closely to that very thought. I've been doing alot of soul searching lately. I've always created pieces that come directly from an emotional place inside me.
There are obvious differences in your earlier work leading up to today. For me, it has all the energy it ever did, but more cohesive, tighter body of work.
Yes, I feel the same way I guess, but the only real difference has been my ability to focus. I've learned to accept my thoughts as reason enough to make art pieces. I don't spend much time struggling with the notion of intent as I use to because I feel a little more confident now. That is not to say I don't have alot of improvements to make in my approach though.
Did you have any idea that Contemporary Native American Art would get a response that wouldn't be quite favorable or that would hinder you?
I think there is a very good folllowing and a long history behind Native American art. If anything , maybe the work I do doesn't fit into this one category alone. I cannot nor would I want deny my cultural identity, yet I know my work isn't what gallery owner's for this category necessarily want.
tribes: Kickapoo and Comanche
born: January 8, 1969
resides: Norman, Oklahoma
media: Painting, Mixed Media
education
2001 Master of Library and Information Studies, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma
1993 Bachelor of Arts, Painting, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma
selected exhibitions
2005 Comanche History for the Future, The Jacobson House Native Art Center, Norman, OK
2005 Summer Group Exhibition, Southern Plains Indian Museum, Anadarko,OK
2005 Oklahoma Painting and Drawing Biennial VIII, OVAC, USAO Gallery, Chickasha, OK
2005-
2004 24 Works on Paper, Traveling Exhibiton, Individual Artists of Oklahoma, OKC, OK
2004 Paintings, The Crucible Foundary, Norman, OK
2004 Paintings, Raiffines Design, OKC, OK
2004 Beau Soleil, American Lung Association, OKC, OK
2004 New Works: Holly Roberts and Petas,
Mainsite Contemporary, Norman, OK
2003 Seven State Biannual, Leslie Powell Gallery, Lawton OK
2003 Trail of Tears; Cherokee Heritage Center, Tahlequah, OK
2003 Annual Native American FSA Show,
Sam Noble Museum, Norman, OK
2002 Flung to Heaven; New Work by Petas, Tulsa Artists Coalition, Tulsa, OK
2002-
2000 Offerings From the Heart, Traveling Exhibition Curated by Jaune Quick -To-See Smith, University of California,Gorman Art Museum, Davis, CA; North Dakota State University, ND
2002 Annual Native American FSA Show, Sam Noble Museum, Norman OK
2001 Petas: A New Work, MainSite Contemporary, Norman, OK
2001 Past and Present & Worlds, Curated by Jacqueline De Los Santos, City Arts Center, Oklahoma City, OK
exhibitions continued ...
permanent collections
Philbrook Museum of Art, Tulsa, OK
Southern Plains Indian Museum and Crafts Center, Anadarko, OK
Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK
Media, 3 x 4 ft., 2001.
No, I don't feel I have responsibility to make exclusively, paintings about injustice, however that doesn't mean I haven't or won't in the future. I have made works about history and the injustice of certain happenings in the lives of Native American people. I think there are many ways to deal with these issues, not just painting alone. Our lives are made up of much more than just the politics of our past. We are a surviving people living in the present. I do feel a responsibility to be the person I am; a Comanche Kickapoo woman who works, makes art, and lives as an active member of the community. I answer to myself and God.
