Karen Clarkson: Choctaw

Power Totem with Custom Frame

The shirt this brave is wearing is a replica of the shirt worn by Red Crow, a Blackfeet Chief. The custom of wearing ceremonial shirts to designate high ranking individuals became particularly apparent when various delegations traveled east to negotiate for the allocation of their lands, particularly in the last quarter of the nineteenth century. When Red Crow visited Ottawa in the fall of 1886 he wore this shirt bearing conventionalized symbols of the Thunderbird, a mythical creature to both Blackfeet and Cree, and used as a symbol of protection and courage. This shirt is now in the collection of the Museum of Mankind in London.

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As a Native American and a member of the Choctaw Nation I have a great affection for Native American art and culture. I grew up surrounded by art from all over the world but never found the perfect blend of beauty and spiritual expression until I saw my first Native American portrait. Although my primary works are those of Native Americans I also create works in still life and landscape as well as portraits in other genres. Being a self-taught artist has encouraged me to experiment with several types of expression although I keep coming back to the human form. There is something about the eyes!

I am currently living in California where my most recent works have focused on native cultures of the southwest. I am a member of the National Registry of Native American Artists and a registered Choctaw artist. Although I have been a professional artist for a limited number of years I have been accepted into numerous competitions and won several awards. In 2005 I won first place for my graphite drawing in the internationally acclaimed Conservatory Art Classic competition. The world should be seen out of the corner of one's eyes…. allowing one's self to enter into the world of ritual and ceremony! Thank you for your interest in my art and may you walk in beauty.

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