Racing Magpie Virtual Residency
Artists In Virtual Residence
April/May 2020
As our community figures out how to deal with the effects of the spread of the COVID-19 virus, artists, culture bearers, and other creatives are also facing the reality of canceled events and decreased sales. To support those creatives and celebrate their artistic processes, our non-profit partner Magpie Creative supported five virtual residencies of $200 each for artists from West River South Dakota. The funds offered will hopefully both bolster their artistic careers and provide much-needed resources for them to support themselves and their families.
Jhon Goes In Center (Oglala Lakota)
“Having pursued a creative vision since 1974, Lakol Wicokanki, the Lakota Way of Life is the foundation for my creative expressions. My work is nothing more than being part of the creative continuum my Lakota ancestors established. My creations are inspired by the natural world. My creative processes are exacting and challenging; metal work, engraving and lapidary techniques to profile the beautiful Lakota Fairburn Agates. The use of this Lakota homeland agate tells the Lakota Creation Story of Inyan, the first stone in creation who created the essence of life, water. The wearer of my creations becomes my gallery and shows my work to the world.” www.lakotajewelry.com
Edwin Harris (Diné)
I like to do beadwork; I make artwork that is also used in a traditional game which is called “Handgames” or “moccasin games” - that is what the term is used around here. But in other cultures the game is referred to as “bone game,” “lehal,” “slahal,” among other things. I have an Instagram @el_bastardo and also a Facebook page. I have just started making handgame sets again after a long break.
Michael Ramey
Michael is a photographer, and he says that, “During a time of such isolation, I would deeply welcome the opportunity to connect to other creative individuals. Having my work exposed to others and receiving feedback form the local creative community would be deeply valuable. During such somber times, it can be difficult to think creatively, to be inspired, to make art. However, art serves as an anchor for our humanity. Even in this anxiety ridden climate, I want to continue to make art.”
Alex Romero-Frederick (Oglala Lakota)
Alex creates all sorts of clothing, moccasins, and other beaded items. Most of her work can be seen on Instagram @anpoiyokpiwin.
Gene Swallow (Oglala Lakota)
Gene makes dolls and fabric sculptures. “I primarily produce figures that blend human and animal characteristics that represent a baseline of storytelling whether you're a child or an adult. I try to create figures that are stoic and yet have a story to tell. I don't necessarily create miniature regalia to dress my sculptures, but I do add subtle elements of adornment that define them as Lakota. I have a small sample of my work on my Instagram page @gene.swallow”
Lorri Ann Two Bulls (Oglala Lakota)
Lorri Ann says, “I am from Red Shirt Table, located on the far north west of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. My goal is to create work starting from scratch. I work with organic material, i.e., wood, clay, animal hide, parfleche, sinew, etc. I strive to give each art piece its own personal flair, with a one-of-a-kind look. Each piece of work is hand-painted with designs that reflect my Lakota culture.”
Demonstration video 1 - 4/18/2020