Ever been captivated by the sheer intricacy of beadwork or wondered about the stories woven into each piece? Martha Berry, a Cherokee National Treasure and bead artist, graces our podcast with a vivid tale of heritage and identity, stitched together with the timeless artistry of her people's beadwork. We unravel her deeply personal connection to the craft, from the early days of reviving ancestral skills to her current status as a cultural beacon. Through Martha’s lens, we see how beadwork isn't just an art form but a living narrative of the Cherokee spirit.Through our talk with Martha, the tapestry of Cherokee history comes alive as ancient symbols find new purpose in contemporary designs. Navigating the quest for traditional materials, we share in her triumphs and challenges, understanding the weight of responsibility that comes with cultural representation. As Martha imparts her wisdom on the delicate balance between authenticity and innovation, listeners are invited into a world where every bead carries the legacy of generations, and every creation is a tribute to the resilience and beauty of the Cherokee community.Looking ahead, Martha casts a visionary gaze on the evolution of beadwork and the importance of passing down this rich heritage. We celebrate the milestones of her journey, from the transformative power of art contests to the significance of her role as an educator. Martha's reflections on her artistic evolution, the honor of being a Cherokee National Treasure, and her aspirations for the future culminate in a stirring call to embrace art as a means to honor the past while enriching the future. Join us for an exploration into the vibrant world of Southeastern beadwork, where history, heart, and handiwork converge to craft compelling stories, one bead at a time.

Step into the creative mind of multifaceted Native American artist, Gregg Deal, on this episode of Beyond the Art. Join us as we traverse the inspiring landscape of Gregg's journey, from overcoming personal adversities to become a celebrated artist. His transition from graphic design to painting during his college years epitomizes his boldness and tenacity in the face of challenges.Gregg's indigenous roots have sculpted his unique style and approach to his work. He explains how personal experiences, connections with fellow artists, and traditional symbols serve as sources of inspiration for his striking pieces. We explore his thoughts on the delicate balance between personal life and work, his motivation behind creating art, and the blend of contemporary and indigenous traditions in his current projects.The episode reaches its pinnacle as we navigate through the challenges Gregg faces as a Native American artist. He shares his thoughts on the portrayal of Native existence through Western perspectives and it's intertwining with political and social issues. We also delve into Gregg's appreciation for analog music and his joy of sharing his art with the world. Don't miss this enriching artistic journey with Gregg Deal on Beyond the Art.

We're thrilled to introduce you to a truly fascinating and gifted artist, Heidi Brandow, in our latest episode of Beyond the Art. Heidi, a remarkable testament to the flourishing intersection of Native American art and cultural identity, shares compelling insights into her journey as a Native Hawaiian and Diné Navajo artist. Alongside her exploration of cultural heritage, Heidi unveils her unique method of portraying contemporary Native realities through vivid illustrative monsters and other artistic elements.The conversation broadens, weaving in stories of resilience, creativity, and the struggle for self-representation from other Indigenous artists. These narratives shed light on the intriguing world of Native American art, illuminating the passion and drive of these artists to preserve their cultural identities amidst the hurdles faced in the creative world. From the significance of self-valuation to the need for telling their own stories, we highlight the crucial aspects of their craft and their unwavering commitment to the communities they represent.But don't think we're just stopping there! We wrap up this enriching journey with some sound advice from another talented artist, Heidi Lau, for those of you dreaming of a career in the arts. Persistence, hard work, and the power of community are the keystones of her wisdom. Listen in, as Heidi encourages honing one's artistic voice and reminds us that rejection is merely a stepping stone, not a stumbling block. Make sure to join us in this soulful journey into the heart of Native American art, their heritage, and the creative minds that bring it all to life.

Listen in as we embark on an enlightening journey with our esteemed guest, Tony Enos. A talented singer, songwriter, and producer hailing from the Echota Cherokee tribe, Tony shares his inspiring journey in the music industry. He opens up about his artistic process, how he draws inspiration from his dreams and everyday experiences, and the powerful influence his Native American identity has on his work. A self-identified two-spirit artist, Tony uses his platform to advocate for representation and empowerment through his music. You won't want to miss the insights into the intersection of Native American culture and music in his life and career.Get a glimpse into the struggles and motivations of Native American pop musician, hear Tony talk about breaking free from stereotypes, navigating the industry's pitfalls, and staying true to his identity and musical style. An exciting preview of his upcoming album "The Boss" reveals how he's channeling his two-decade-long journey with HIV into art. Learn how he uses his music to spread love, positivity, and the spirit of collaboration within indigenous cultures.Lastly, tune in to hear a two-spirit artist's perspective on balancing traditional and contemporary elements in music. This candid conversation touches on the importance of joy and agency in the creative process and the shift towards playlists in the music industry. Our guest also shares their songwriting process and growth as an artist. This episode promises to provide a wealth of insights for anyone interested in the unique experiences and perspectives of Native American artists in the music industry.

Join us on a captivating journey with our esteemed guest, Kyle Kauwika Harris, a noteworthy filmmaker and screenwriter of Chalk Dot and Hawaiian descent. We delve deep into his personal experiences, his early love for movies, and how his indigenous identity influences his craft. It's an inspiring narrative of passion, perseverance, and the power that comes from authentic storytelling.Our conversation navigates through the unpredictable currents of the filmmaking industry. We talk about the importance of staying true to one's storytelling style and the challenges that come with independent filmmaking, financing, and selling films. With a focus on Native American narratives, we get a unique perspective on the struggles and victories that Kyle faces in his work. We also shine a spotlight on Kyle's preferences in genre, his love for Western films, and his strategies for overcoming the hurdles in his path. Listen to his insights on the impact of technology and social media on younger generations, and get a sneak peek into his future plans in the industry. Get ready for an enlightening exploration into the intersection of Native American identity and filmmaking. This is a conversation you won't want to miss!

We are thrilled to welcome Lehuauakea Huihui, an extraordinary Native Hawaiian artist and bark cloth maker, to Beyond the Arts. Known for her deeply inspired artistic creations, Lehuauakea Huihui champions her Native Hawaiian identity and cultural heritage through her exquisite works of art. Our engaging conversation with Lehuauakea takes us through the meticulous process of creating bark cloth, or kapa, an art form that had fallen into oblivion for many generations but is now experiencing a vibrant resurgence. Lehuauakea generously shares the richly layered meanings of her name and how they shape her artistic philosophy. What's more, she imparts precious advice to emerging Indigenous artists, daringly explores the intersection of traditional patterns and contemporary designs, and talks about how she handles resistance as a Hawaiian artist. You'll be intrigued to hear Lehuauakea detail her community collaborations and why she currently chooses to forgo gallery representation.Finally, we delve into the heart of the Hawaiian cultural revival through Lehuauakea's perspective. She is deeply invested in rejuvenating the Hawaiian language, culture, and art and encourages younger generations to connect with their roots. Lehuauakea's dedication to illuminating the authentic histories of her people and acknowledging the experiences of the Native Hawaiian diaspora is truly inspiring. So, prepare to be mesmerized by exciting tales of art, identity, and cultural heritage as you tune in to this enlightening episode!

Listen in as we converse with Chef Sean Sherman, an esteemed member of the Oglala Lakota Sioux tribe, as he unravels his journey from a humble restaurant worker to a culinary revolutionary. We learn about his quest to understand and reclaim the lost Native American culinary heritage. His compelling journey took him from understanding the history of Native Americans to the reason for the loss of so much valuable knowledge. Discover how Chef Sean uses traditional Indigenous seeds and plants to create culinary masterpieces, and how he's built a movement centered on Indigenous food operations and education.Explore the inspiring story of how Chef Sean Sherman established Natifs, a non-profit dedicated to providing access to Indigenous food products and culinary education. We discuss his award-winning restaurant, Awamnee, and how it is revolutionizing the food industry with its Native American inspired dishes. Chef Sean's work isn't just limited to one restaurant; he's also looking to expand his operations, aiming to steward Indigenous knowledge and food systems for future generations across different regions. As we journey through the world of Indigenous food with Chef Sean, we touch on topics such as the importance of food sustainability and understanding indigenous knowledge bases. We look at the diversity of Indigenous foods across North America and discuss the challenges of rematriating seeds back to Indigenous communities. Join us as we discuss the Owamni Restaurant and Natifs' Initiative, where Chef Sean Sherman aims to bring Indigenous knowledge and culture through food to various locations across North America. This is an episode that will open your eyes to the rich culinary heritage of Native America and the importance of preserving it for future generations.

Ever been intrigued by the melodic fusion of cultural heritage, personal experiences, and exploration of gender diversity? Join us as we navigate the creative journey of the exceptional Native American artist, Marca Cassity, and discover how their music serves as a beacon of change and acceptance, transforming the narrative through the power of indigenous sounds. Delve into Marca's life as a musician and a licensed marriage and family therapist, and how their experiences as an enrolled citizen of the Osage Nation, and a queer person in the Bible Belt, play a significant role in their art. Take a closer look at their music video 'How Long' and their album '2Sacred'. Understand how the incorporation of native words, and the influence of their great grandmother, grandparent's leadership and collaborations with Indian Collective and Osage Nation Foundation, inspire their creative process. The journey doesn't stop there. Listen as Marca shares their plans to tour, promote their album, and perform at the National LGBT Task Force and Brooklyn Americana. Experience Marca's candid discussion about their challenges navigating their white-passing identity, their personal journey as an indigenous, two-spirit artist, and the labor of love it took to create their album. Learn about Marca's future aspirations to host a community choir, the possibility of a Two-Spirit Festival in Tulsa, and their stand on important conversations surrounding discrimination against black, indigenous people of color. Engage in their enlightening conversation, and understand the power of music and cultural heritage in shaping the world.

Ever wondered about the journey of a storyboard artist from the heart of the Native American community? Meet our guest, Joe Williams, a Dakota Nation citizen of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, who not only paints the world with his storyboards but also hosts the successful podcast, 5 Plain Questions. Joe takes us on a fascinating journey from his early art student days to his role as the Director of Plains Art Museum's Native American program, revealing the inspiring story of how childhood experiences catalyzed his journey into the creative realm.A mentor can be a guiding light in any career, and Joe’s mentor, Oscar Howe, was no different. Discover how Oscar's influence on Joe was instrumental in shaping his career and the world of modern Native American art. Get an insightful peek into Joe’s craft as he discusses the role of collaboration in art, sharing invaluable tips for aspiring artists. Listen to Joe’s discussion on his favorite Native American artists, including Randy Red Star, Hillary Kempeneck, and Kay Walkingstick, as he emphasizes the importance of humility and a good-natured attitude for growth in the field of art.We gear our conversation toward Joe’s podcast, 5 Plain Questions, and his thoughts on the joys and challenges of hosting a podcast. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling in his podcast and storyboard art. Joe also discusses the importance of supporting local artists and Indigenous music and podcasts. This episode is a treasure trove for anyone interested in Native American art, aspiring artists, and podcast hosts. So tune in, sit back, and let Joe take you on a remarkable journey through the world of Native American art!

Join us as we explore the vibrant world of indigenous pop culture with Callie Chunestudy, the Cultural Events Project Manager for Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism. We take you behind the scenes of SkasdiCon, an indigenous-themed comic con brimming with panels, screenings, and a thrilling cosplay competition. This one-day gathering in Tahlequah is an explosion of creativity and culture, open to members of any federally recognized tribe. Hear Callie's insights on the event's ambitious goal of reaching 1200 attendees and the inspirations that fuel this unique initiative.Uncover the intricacies of planning such a fascinating event. How do you balance the variety of guests and vendors, manage celebrity guests, and food trucks? Callie gives us a sneak peek into the collaborations with Roy Boney Jr and Lee Francis, and the advanced motion capture technology from the Cherokee Nation Film Office. Marvel at how the team ensures that native culture imbues 98% of the art, creating a platform for indigenous artists to express themselves and share their work with a wider audience.Finally, get a sense of the significance of SkasdiCon within the broader picture of cultural tourism. We discuss how this gathering isn't just about fun and entertainment, but also about promoting the representation of Native American stories in arts and media. Could outdoor activities, skits, performances, and film components be in the event's future? If you plan on attending, Callie shares useful information about accommodation and resources to make your visit to Tahlequah unforgettable. Tune in for a thrilling journey into indigenous pop culture, seen through the lens of SkasdiCon.