Where I come from, art is a part of our lives ever since we’re born. It is something that has come to us through thousands of years. As soon as I was introduced to The 400 Years Project, I knew it was the Cherokee artisans I wanted to feature. Growing older, my appreciation for those carrying out our cultural practices has deepened immensely. I knew I wanted to showcase those who are keeping these traditions alive. My people are bringing their roots to the forefront while maintaining a presence in these contemporary times. Historically, there’s been a perverse misconception of what being a Native American is. We as a people shouldn’t be defined by blood quantum or by an enrollment card, but by the richness of our history and artistic achievements, the beauty of what has been passed down, and how we as Native artists are able to express ourselves in a modern age.
A hat decorated by Eastern Cherokee bead artist, Jen Bird. Qualla Boundary, North Carolina. October 2020.
Eastern Cherokee bead artist, Jen Bird, on the front porch of her home on the Qualla Boundary, North Carolina. October 2020.
Eastern Cherokee bead artist, Jen Bird, applying the pellon to the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians 2021 Miss Cherokee crown. Qualla Boundary, North Carolina. October 2020.
Eastern Cherokee bead artist, Jen Bird, applying the pellon to the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians 2021 Miss Cherokee crown. Qualla Boundary, North Carolina. October 2020.
Artist John Henry Gloyne (Eastern Cherokee, Pawnee, Osage) with his son, Elwood, in the basement of their home in Asheville, North Carolina. October 2020.
Inside his studio in Asheville, North Carolina, artsist John Henry Gloyne (Eastern Cherokee, Pawnee, Osage) adds the finishing touches to a painting titled, "The Process of Weeding Out." October 2020.
Artist John Henry Gloyne (Eastern Cherokee, Pawnee, Osage) at work inside his home studio in Asheville, North Carolina. October 2020.
A rendition of Pablo Picasso's "Guernica" painted by artist John Henry Gloyne (Eastern Cherokee, Pawnee, Osage). Asheville, North Carolina. October 2020.
Inside the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, potter Sarah Thompson makes a traditional bowl with a variety of passed down stamp designs embedded on it. Qualla Boundary, North Carolina. October 2020.
Eastern Cherokee potter, Sarah Thompson, uses a stamp tool to press designs into the soft clay of the traditional bowl she is making inside the Museum of the Cherokee Indian where visitors can learn about her process. Qualla Boundary, North Carolina. October 2020.
Sarah Thompson uses a pottery stamp tool to press designs into a traditional Cherokee bowl. The Eastern Cherokees gather clay from riverbanks and hand mold the material into pots, bowls, and other objects used in ceremonies. Museum of the Cherokee Indian. Qualla Boundary, North Carolina. October 2020.
Eastern Cherokee woodcarver, Monk Walkingstick, adding the finishing details to a Butternut wood carving from his backyard on the Qualla Boundary, North Carolina. October 2020.
A Stickball stick made by Eastern Cherokee woodcarver Monk Walkingstick. The stick is used for the game "A-Ni-Tso-Di," better known as "Stickball." The stickball stick is placed high in the tree to symbolize the sacredness behind it. Qualla Boundary, North Carolina. October 2020.
Cedar wood carvings representing the Seven Clans of the Cherokee by Eastern Cherokee artist Monk Walkingstick. The drummer in the middle indicates a ceremony is being held. Qualla Boundary, North Carolina. October 2020.
Eastern Cherokee wood carver Monk Walkingstick with his wife, Candi, and their daughter, Zaya, in the backyard of their home on the Qualla Boundary, North Carolina. October 2020.
Eastern Cherokee weaver, Nola Teesatuskie, finger weaves at her home on the Qualla Boundary, North Carolina. October 2020.
Nola Teesatuskie, an Eastern Cherokee artist, hand weaves the chevron design into wool yarn. A traditional art, hand weaving techniques are passed down from generation to generation. Qualla Boundary, North Carolina. October 2020.
Belts and garters hand woven by Eastern Cherokee artist, Nola Teesatuskie, hang on the porch of her home on the Qualla Boundary, North Carolina. October 2020.
Eastern Cherokee sculptor, Michelle Long, at home on the Qualla Boundary, North Carolina. October 2020.
Eastern Cherokee sculptor, Michelle Long, starts work on a new mask while her son, Joe Keets, looks on. Qualla Boundary, North Carolina. October 2020.
Eastern Cherokee sculptor Michelle Long with a piece of her own creation made with polymer clay and horse hair. Qualla Boundary, North Carolina. October 2020.
Eastern Cherokee descendant artist, Evan Mathis, begins a pucker toe moccasin at his home in Whittier, North Carolina. October 2020.
Eastern Cherokee descendant artist, Evan Mathis, measures buckskin that will become a moccasin. Whittier, North Carolina. October 2020.
Moccasin maker Evan Mathis works from his home in Whittier, North Carolina. October 2020.
Pucker toe moccasins made by Eastern Cherokee descendent artist, Evan Mathis. Whittier, North Carolina. October 2020.