An Artist from the start

I am from a strong lineage of Indigenous artisans.

My Great Grandfathers were well known self-taught artists on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation in Idaho. My aunts and uncles on my father’s side are talented leatherworkers & beadworkers. My grandmothers on my mother’s side were excellent story weavers who could keep my mind open to observe the world and cosmos. When I went to college, I was determined to stay away from the art studios because my brain told me that being an artist wasn’t an option—that I couldn’t use the opportunity to spend on art. My heart and spirit said differently. So I did what any logical person would do: I got an art degree (and an anthropology one too for good measure).

I am grateful to have known many of my great-grandparents, all of my grandparents, and many aunties, uncles, and cousins. I was raised by my maternal grandparents with lots of animals, including horses, goats, dogs, and cats. Thanks to my maternal grandma, I have a deep appreciation for gardening, cooking, and interior design. Shout out to my grandpa Dennis for teaching me how to ride a horse and drive a car. I also spent a lot of my childhood with my maternal and paternal great-grandmothers. They taught me how to tell a story, work for what I want, and how to swear like a 1940s sailor.

I feel blessed to have known those who have since walked on and to have heard about the ones before them. They’ve helped me understand what it means to be a good ancestor for the generations after me.

I am a first-generation college graduate. I received my BA from Grinnell College in Studio Art and Anthropology in 2017. Moving to Iowa from Idaho was difficult, but I received a full scholarship as a QuestBridge Scholar for which I’ll always be grateful!

I am currently pursuing my Master’s Degree studying Shoshoni language and culture revitalization at Idaho State University.

I live within my people’s ancestral homelands. My family has been living in what is now known as Idaho for many generations. Before the settlers even arrived in their covered wagons. We knew the land like the backs of our hands before it was the American Frontier! Because we considered ourselves an inherent part of the land. Still do!

Beneath the stars in a sleepy town known as “The Potato Capital of the World” is where I call home. I can count back to at least 8 generations of my family who have always called this part of the world home.

Come visit!

We have a potato museum, potato fields, and hand-cut fries with fry sauce* waiting for you. We seriously like our potatoes.

* A very real and delicious sauce to dip your fries in.