RHONDA HOLY BEAR

- RHONDA HOLY BEAR -

Lakota, 1959—

I am both a figure artist and a story keeper. Stories have always played an integral roll in the preservation of our native culture. My grandmother was a keeper of stories. Little did I know, when I was a little girl, just how much of an impact my grandmother's stories would have upon my life. Creating art is quite a meditative process for me. I often hear my grandmother's words echoing through my memories as I work. In a very real way, her stories live in my figures. It is my purpose to make art that goes beyond being aesthetically pleasing. It is of paramount importance that my work act as a teaching tool, awakening the viewers' curiosity by providing a connection to the past. By captivating the viewer with the visual impact of my figures, it is my intention to communicate a powerful and meaningful story. It is my sincere hope that, through my work, I may play a part in helping to restore, revitalize and ensure the continuum of our Lakota, Plains culture.