5 Plain Questions

Karen Goulet currently resides in Bemidji Minnesota. A member of the White Earth Ojibwe Nation, and having received her MFA from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, she has been showing her work nationally and internationally for over two decades.

Her journey to the art world has been one of a traveler, living in multiple places, living a full life that at times, seems like it resides outside the art world.

And that is what makes Karen so interesting. She’s experienced life outside the studio. She’s formed strong relationships with the likes of Gail Tremblay, Truman Lowe, and Frank Big Bear just to name a few.

5 Plain Questions Northern Plains Summer Art Institute by Joe Williams

Anna Johnson is an emerging Native American artist who currently resides in Fargo, North Dakota. Anna received her BFA from North Dakota State University and is a painter, printmaker, and master of mixed media. She’s collaborated with the City of Fargo and has a number of her works on public display throughout the metro.

A part of what makes Anna so interesting is her completely relatable experience of living both on and off the reservation, and experience the pressures of being a young Native American in the 21st century, let alone the pressures of being an artist.

Legendary artist Don Montileaux in our current episode of 5 Plain Questions. He’s an inspiration and a founding member of the Dream Catchers Artist Guild.

Roger Broer is a legendary artist, he’s a member of the Oglala Lakota nation, adopted and raised in Nebraska, a veteran who after his service in the Air Force received his Bachelor of arts degree at Eastern Montana College.

Roger has been a fixture in the Northern Plains Native American art scene for over 40 years. His artistic skill, his approach of self-respect, and dignity has been a shining example to Native American youth for generations.

Keith Braveheart is a young and leading artist in South Dakota who currently resides in South Dakota. Keith received his bachelor's degree at the American Indian Arts Institute in Sante Fe NM, and his MFA at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion SD.

Currently, he is teaching at Oglala Lakota College on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

He currently serves on the South Dakota Arts Council and will be an instructor on the upcoming Northern Plains Summer Art Institute

A part of what makes Keith so interesting is his honest reflection and active gratitude he carries with him when he speaks. With dignity and a humbleness he’s always a pleasure to speak with.

Falcon Gott is a young filmmaker currently out of Fargo, North Dakota. His work with the Plains Art Museum and the MMIW movement is putting him on the map for Native American filmmakers of the next generation.

Marty Two Bulls Jr. earned his BFA from the Institute of American Indian Arts in Sante Fe, and currently is a faculty member at Oglala Lakota College in Kyle, South Dakota.

A part of what makes Marty so interesting and worth listening to is he’s representative of many young and rising artists from Indian Country. He comes from a family of artists, his father, Marty Two Bulls Sr. is an accomplished artist, his work has been exhibited nationally and internationally.

Dyani White Hawk shares her journey as a visual artist, highlighting the importance of intentional planning and disciplined growth in developing an artistic career. With a strong foundation rooted in her Lakota heritage and a focus on abstract painting, Dyani emphasizes the significance of understanding one's unique voice and contributions to the art world. Throughout the conversation, she reflects on her educational path, the challenges of funding her studies, and the strategies she employed to seek out opportunities for growth. Dyani also discusses the influence of her mother, a veteran who instilled resilience and discipline in her life. This insightful dialogue offers valuable lessons for aspiring artists about the importance of patience, perseverance, and self-awareness on their creative journeys.

Dyani White Hawk earned her MFA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her BFA from the Institute of American Indian Arts in 2008. She’s a recipient of the 2019 United States Artists Fellowship inVisual Art, 2018 Nancy Graves grant for Visual Artists among many other grants and fellowships. Most notibily, she recently received the Star Tribune’s 2019 Artists of the Year, in which she shares this recognition with five other Indigenous artists in Minnesota. A powerful lineup that includes: Julie Buffalohead, Andrea Carlson,

Heid E. Erdrich, Louise Erdrich, and Delina White.

What makes Dyani so interesting and worth listening to is her disciplined approach to intentional planning and mapping of her path. A powerful lesson young artists need to listen to.

Dyani White Hawk, a prominent Native American visual artist and member of the Sicangu Lakota tribe, shares her unique journey and artistic evolution in a compelling conversation that highlights her rich cultural heritage and the influences that have shaped her work. The episode opens with host Joe Williams introducing Dyani, detailing her impressive accolades including her MFA from the University of Wisconsin Madison and her BFA from the Institute of American Indian Arts. Dyani has garnered numerous awards, including the 2019 United States Artists Fellowship and the Star Tribune's 2019 Artist of the Year, sharing this recognition with notable Native American artists in Minnesota. This sets the stage for a deeper exploration of Dyani's disciplined approach to art, her methodical planning, and the importance of intentionality in her artistic practice.

As the conversation progresses, Dyani delves into her background, revealing her upbringing in Madison, Wisconsin, her mixed heritage, and her educational journey through various art institutions. She discusses how her Lakota aesthetic influences her work, particularly through traditional techniques such as quillwork and beadwork, blending these influences with modern abstract painting styles. This fusion of cultural history and contemporary practice reflects Dyani's commitment to honoring her roots while also pushing the boundaries of her artistic expression. Her reflections on the importance of mentorship and the lessons learned from her mother, a veteran, underscore the resilience and discipline that have guided her life choices and career path.

Dyani’s insights into navigating the art world provide valuable advice for emerging artists. She emphasizes the necessity of patience, discipline, and a focus on personal development during the formative years of one’s career. Rather than rushing into the professional realm, she stresses the importance of honing one’s craft and establishing a unique voice before seeking broader recognition. The discussion culminates in a heartfelt message to young artists, encouraging them to embrace their journeys, learn from their experiences, and remain committed to their artistic goals, regardless of the obstacles they may face. Dyani's story is not just about personal achievement; it represents a broader narrative of cultural identity, resilience, and the power of community support in the arts.

Takeaways:

Dyani White Hawk emphasizes the importance of honing one's artistic voice during education.

She highlights the significance of networking and building relationships in the art community.

Dyani's disciplined approach to her career has led to numerous artistic opportunities.

She believes that growth in artistic practice is essential for career advancement.

Dyani's background reflects resilience and the impact of her mother's teachings on her journey.

She encourages young artists to actively seek and apply for various opportunities.

Links referenced in this episode:

www.dyaniWhiteHawk.com

chetanska.com

Gerald Cournoyer is an Oglala Lakota artist from Marty, South Dakota, Gerald is the art director at Bacone College in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Following in the Northern Plains Indian art traditions of Oscar Howe (Yanktonai Dakota) and Fritz Scholder (Luiseño), Gerald has blended his cultural and artistic backgrounds to connect with his students throughout his career.

Joe Williams hosts the inaugural episode of 'Five Plain Questions', a podcast dedicated to exploring the voices of Native American artists and cultural figures. The episode features an enlightening conversation with Gerald Cournoyer, a multifaceted artist and educator with an impressive academic background, including five degrees that span from an associate to multiple master's degrees. Cournoyer shares his personal journey, reflecting on his roots in the Oglala Lakota community, his formative experiences at Marty Indian School, and his service in the United States Marine Corps. His story is not only about artistic ambition but also about the quest for identity and cultural preservation through art.

Throughout the dialogue, Cournoyer articulates a vision for Native American art that transcends traditional representations. He emphasizes the importance of intellectualism in art, advocating for a deeper engagement with history and culture over mere commercial success. This perspective is informed by his experiences at various educational institutions, including the Institute of American Indian Arts and the University of Oklahoma, where he honed his craft while grappling with the challenges faced by Indigenous artists in a contemporary context. The conversation delves into the evolution of Native American art, touching on historical influences and the role of mentorship in nurturing the next generation of artists. Cournoyer’s reflections illuminate the complexities of cultural representation and the responsibility of artists to tell their stories authentically.

As the episode unfolds, listeners are treated to Cournoyer’s insights on the dynamic relationship between art and community. He recounts his work at the Oscar Howe Summer Art Institute, where he and Joe Williams mentored aspiring artists, fostering a sense of pride and identity through creative expression. Cournoyer's narrative is infused with a sense of purpose, as he articulates his commitment to preserving Native American culture through art while also adapting to the changing landscape of the art world. This episode is a powerful testament to the resilience of Native artists and the vital role they play in advocating for their communities, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersections of culture, art, and identity.