Artist Spotlight - "Mitakuye Oyasin - We are all related."

An Interview with artist Jim Yellowhawk of the Cheyenne River Sioux (Itazipco Band)

CARAVAN President, Paul G. Chandler, had the honor of interviewing the award-winning contemporary indigenous artist Jim Yellowhawk, a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux (Itazipco Band) in the Great Plains region of the USA. He was most recently a participating artist in CARAVAN's GROUNDED exhibition, featuring 15 noted Native American contemporary artists.

"Traditional spirituality is woven into my daily life, work,

practices, and way of being."

Jim Yellowhawk

Jim Yellowhawk in his studio in Rapid City, South Dakota, USA

Jim Yellowhawk grew up on the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota, USA. He is an enrolled member of the Itazipco Band of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and also the Onodoga/Iroquois on his mother’s side. He has been immersed in the arts of his ancestors since he was a young boy. His grandmother Annie Yellowhawk was a traditional bead worker and role model for traditional ways, and his father Jerry Yellowhawk was and is a passionate artist in a variety of mediums. Jim graduated from Marion College, Indiana with a Bachelor of Science in Art. He also studied at the Ohio School of Art and Design in Columbus, Ohio.

Jim has been invited to perform Lakota men’s traditional dance at venues all over the world. Having spent time in New Zealand, his work is now exhibited in art galleries there. The recent focus of his art has been on healing, which included painting a mural at Eagle Butte Hospital in honor of his late wife Ruth Yellowhawk. He currently divides his time between the Black Hills of South Dakota and Golden Bay, New Zealand.

Traditional spirituality guides his creative processes. The horse, buffalo, elk, geese and eagle nations are often represented in his art, in honor of the four winds. While his art is comprised of diverse media forms, his current passion is for ledger art, a traditional way of recording history for the native peoples in America. Jim’s techniques vary according to the feel of each piece. He likes to experiment and challenge himself. He hopes to leave his mark as an artist in a way that serves all people and works to provide a strong and positive role model for native youth.

For more information:

-Watch a video: Interview at Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation

-Check out his Facebook

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I would love to hear how you became an artist? Can you share how came about, and who and what most influenced you in your artistic journey?

As a young boy living on the Cheyenne River Reservation, I always had an interest in art. And being around the arts influenced me; my father being a painter and bead worker, and my grandmother was also a bead worker. The artist Oscar Howe was a big influence for me. I learned about him when I was in high school. I was blown away by his style and representation of our people.

Yellowhawk/Cetan Gi, 2024, Pencil, Ink, Ledger paper, 7” X 14” inches

Your art often blends the contemporary and traditional. What is the inspiration behind this distinct approach?

It’s my way of honoring my ancestors and being able to carry it on into today.

While I know you primarily as a visual artist, you are also invited to perform Lakota men’s traditional dance at venues around the world. Can you tell us more about this?

Dancing has also been a big part of my life. I introduced it to my family. My father was a minister. Back then, dance was forbidden. I started dancing with my son when I was in my 30’s. I have been invited to dance in Europe, New Zealand and now, to dance in Norway in May of 2025.

Jim Yellowhawk dancing

At CARAVAN, we believe that the arts can be one of the most effective mediums to heal our world, creatively fostering peace, harmony, wholeness and health in all its forms. In your experience, how has art had an impact on people and communities?

Yes, I feel my art has triggered emotion in a lot of people worldwide. If my art can affect one person, I feel blessed. Art is healing.

CARAVAN also often focuses on exploring the intersection between the arts and spirituality? How does Native spirituality play a role in your art?

My traditional spirituality plays a big part in my art. Traditional spirituality is woven into my daily life, work, practices, and way of being. It keeps me in balance and grounded, and guides my creative processes.

Turtle / Keya, 2023, Acrylic, 25” X 60” inches

You are enrolled member of the Itazipco Band of the Cheyenne River Sioux tribe.

Can you share with us about the arts among your people, both historically and in today’s contemporary context?

When I was growing up there were a few painters around, and always bead workers. Before bead work there was the quill work of my ancestors. My grandmother was a quill worker. Today, quill work is coming back. I’ve noticed a new form of art among youth: spray can art. They hold a festival on the Reservation called “Red Can” Indian Country Graffiti Jam which is pretty awesome. I even did a work using spray paint. The South Dakota Art Museum just purchased the original.

Pipe Carrier, 2022, Pencil, Ink, Acrylic, 24” X 24” inches

I understand you have visited Aotearoa (New Zealand) a number of times and have interacted with the Indigenous peoples there, the Māori. Have you discovered cultural similarities with them? Also, what has been your experience of Māori visual art?

Yes, I feel Aotearoa is a second home for me, and see the Maori as family. I have shared my art and I dance with them. I have done art there; doing a fusion of Dakota art and Maori. I feel we both go through the same struggles. I’ve been involved in talking circles, not only with Maori, but other Ocean Pacific peoples that live in Aotearoa.

Warriors, 2010, Pencil, Ink, Ledger paper, 14” X 18” inches

Please share with us a little about what you feel the rest of the world can learn from Native Americans at this juncture in time?

I guess I’m always learning about my ancestors, through deep conversations with my father and other elders. My ancestors were strong and amazing people. And their connection with the universe was most powerful. I often try to put myself in their moccasins. I think it’s important for everyone to learn where they come from. I’m blessed to be on “Unci Maka” [grandmother earth] in this temporary time. I live each day to the fullest.

Wopila Yuha Tunkashila / To have Gratitude Grandfather, 2022, Pencil, Ink, Ledger paper, 11” X 18”

What are you are working on at this time?

Right now, I am preparing for an exhibition at the Muskingum University in Ohio titled “Connection and Harmony.” The opening is on October 6 and runs through November 6, 2024.

What advice would you give to young Indigenous artists?

My advice is to follow your dreams. Be determined to stay with it even when it’s hard. Things will work out.

Dragonfly Nation, 2022, Pencil, Ink, Acrylic, Ledger paper, 32” X 52” inches

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

I want to say thank you/WOPILA for the beautiful work you have done with CARAVAN in hearing our voices as Native American artists through art. Taksa Akhe/ - see you later.

L to R:

Okini / Gift, 2022, Acrylic, round wood representing Iyan/stone, also gifts, 24” X 28” inches

Key to the Heart, Acrylic, Gold Leaf, Ledger paper, Key, 42” X 54” inches