Jackie Sevier
(Northern Arapaho)
Indian Fair, 2022
Embossed paper/Gold leaf
24” x 18” (framed)
As a descendent of Bear Woman, I draw strength from my Northern Arapaho lineage which is rich and blessed with strong women. My mother was one of thirteen daughters, my grandmothers were one of five daughters, and there were many women in the generations before them. Though at times the world is in a state of turmoil, I draw strength and grounding by knowing that family, and heritage, are the center. This piece was inspired by photographs of family members and by my artistic rendition of occasions when the Northern People come together in ceremony and celebration. May we all draw strength in these ways.
Elk Tooth Dress, 2022
Mixed media
24” x 18” (framed)
Each of us is grounded to the land where we were born. All Natives are grounded to our culture and history. This paper dress is painted with a typical Northern Arapaho design in the colors Northern Arapahos often used to represent the four directions. The Wind River Mountains have been inhabited by our people for generations and home to the elk that have helped sustain both tribes living on the reservation. The dress is adorned by hand-sculpted elk teeth. Ivory teeth are a symbol of status and position and have been coveted by tribes of the Northern Plains, and by the many women in my family.
Jackie Sevier is an enrolled member of the Northern Arapaho Tribe and proud of her Native American heritage. Legends and traditions of her native Wind River Reservation in Wyoming are often subjects for her unique works of art. Now residing in the heart of the Nebraska Sandhills near the small community of Seneca, she focuses on developing her artistic career at every opportunity. Her husband Jim was a former PRCA saddle bronc rider, and competing in rodeos plays an important part in the lives of their family and often serves as inspiration in her art.
A continual learner, Jackie credits “the greats” who have not only taught her technique but expression, dedication, and determination. Some of these people have been Benjamin Harjo, JR, King Kuka, and Reynold Brown. Jackie’s own work has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including winning Best of Division for graphics at the Santa Fe Indian Market, the Aplan Award, the Diedrich Award, and the Bonnie Ericksen Award at the Red Cloud Indian Art Show.
Her works can be found in private, corporate, and university collections throughout the United States and internationally. She has exhibited as numerous noted art venues, such as the Brinton Museum, Sheridan, Wyoming, Pope VI Institute of the Arts, Washington, D.C., Denver Art Museum, Denver, Colorado, The Sioux Indian Museum, Rapid City, South Dakota, Museum of Anthropology, Lawrence, Kansas, and Oscar Howe Museum, Mitchell, South Dakota. For more information, see: northernplainsstudio.com