Inspiration for the piece:

"Mako sica" in the Dakota language means"forgotten/abandoned" which is what motivated me to do the portrait of Ohiye'Sa (Charles A. Eastman,) 1858-1939, from Redwood Falls, Minnesota Territory, an American physician, writer, social reformer. One of the first Native Americans to be certified in Western medicine, and played a huge part in 32 chapters of the YMCA/Boy Scouts of America. How can someone who touched so many lives be so easily forgotten? To bring this piece to life with a mere pencil forces me to believe we can once again live in a world without judgement/abandonment. The value places in the drawing is the value I hope can again be placed in those who have been forgotten. Never Forget!

What role does art play in your life?

Art is my sanity/salvation. Inspiration comes from the challenge to bring something to life with a mere pencil, and most importantly, bring a simple smile to someone's face. The world need more smiles!

Artist statement:

Art IS my sanity, my salvation and keeps me stable in an unstable environment. Art has always been (is) a lifetime passion that helps build relationships and create opportunities for the future. But, most importantly, art has the power to magnify shared values, beliefs and experiences, bringing the most unlikely of people together.