Portfolio

Artist Statement:

I believe life is a ceremony, and how we live, it is art. From a very young age, I have been taught traditional lifeways through what society would call art, but was actually a functioning part of our lives throughout the generations passed. Teachings passed down from my grandparents, and their grandparent’s; from sewing clothing, quilts, Lacrosse sticks, snowshoes, sweetgrass baskets, carving, beading, weaving and ironworking. All things having a functional role in our traditional beliefs from the medicine it creates; the empowerment and self-determination, making, brings, and the artistry connected to everyday purpose. Their teachings passed down strengthened my existence through connecting art and traditional lifeways as a lifelong ceremony of survival and revitalization, generations passed, and forging forward.

This portfolio briefly previews Costume Design, specialty builds, heirlooms, and collaborations I have created for theater and fashion productions over the past few years.

US Premiere

Kamloopa: An Indigenous Matriarch Story

by Kim Senklip Harvey
Directed by Estefanía Fadul

Live at Shakespeare & Company’s Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre

Mr role was Native American Regalia, specialty build seen here with a satirical essence.

Carnegie Hall- Voices of Hope
April 16–30, 2021
The life-affirming power of music and the arts during times of crisis comes under the spotlight in Carnegie Hall’s Voices of Hope. This online festival examines the resilience of artists and explores the works they felt compelled to create despite—and often because of—appalling circumstances and human tragedy.

With streamed performances that range from orchestral and chamber works to folk and jazz, Voices of Hope features music that inspires change and lifts the human spirit. The Hall’s Weill Music Institute also engages its educational program participants, inviting songwriters of all ages from across New York City and beyond to create music exploring this theme.

Leading cultural and academic organizations extend the scope of the festival through online programming and events, exhibitions, performances, and film screenings, considering humankind’s capacity for hope, courage, and resilience in the face of the unimaginable.

Soledad, Carolyn Dunn

Ady, Rhianna Yazzie

My role was Executive Producer, and Costume Designer for both plays.

Here Arts Center, NYC circa 2021

Bound written by Tara Moses- AMERICAN INDIAN ARTISTS (AMERINDA), INC. World Premier

New Drama BOUND Looks At Impact Of The Wall On Native Land, Begins April 25. American Indian Artists Inc. (AMERINDA) will present the World Premiere of BOUND, written and directed by Tara Dawn Moses. Previews begin on April 25 at Theatre for the New City with opening night slated for May 3.

Weaving through time from the 1850s to now, the intersection of sacred, ancestral land and tribal sovereignty as innate rights are explored in "Bound," but do these rights end where the boundary of Mexico begins?

In "Bound," Marigold Page is a Native American woman working to stop the construction of a wall along the US southern border that would split her Nation in half. When she meets John, a land surveyor, a romance blossoms. Further complications arise when an oil company attempts to build a pipeline through the same scared land. Marigold must face rogue border patrol agents, oil tycoons, and a hesitant tribal council as she struggles to keep her ancestral lands intact for future generations. Paralleling her fight are the events surrounding the Gadsden Purchase of 1853, the building of a transcontinental railroad through Indigenous lands, Manifest Destiny, and the redrawing of the Mexican-American border in the name of southern imperialism. Marigold is determined that history does not repeat itself.

Theater for the New City, NYC circa. 2019

Jim Henson Ibex Puppetry: Heather Henson and Ty Defoe Launch National Tour of Ajijaak on Turtle Island

Heather Henson and Ty Defoe launch a four-city national tour of their play Ajijaak on Turtle Island.

Photos by Richard Termine and Theo Cote
https://www.ajijaak.com/media

My role in this production was Contracted for culturally specific costume builds. My work consisted of Contemporary and traditional Native American Regalia: Mens Traditional Cherokee legging chaps, breech cloth, ribbon shirt, stole. Elder Women traditional ribbon skirt, bandolier bag, leggings, shawl.

New Victory Theater, NYC circa. 2019

PALETTE MATRIARCHS- Emme Studio S/S Collection- Brooklyn Fashion Week

Emme Studio Collection featuring Mohawk Coterie accessories by Iakowi:he'ne' Oakes at Brooklyn Fashion Week Runway show!

Jewelry handcrafted by me!

Brooklyn Fashion Week Runway, NYC circa 2018

First Look at 'DON'T FEED THE INDIANS' at La MaMa

La MaMa presents the world premiere of Safe Harbors Indigenous Collective's Don't Feed the Indians: A Divine Comedy Pageant, conceived, written and directed by Murielle Borst-Tarrant (Kuna/Rappahannock Nations), with musical direction by Kevin Tarrant...

Mr role in this production was Assistant Costume Designer and Specialty builds. My work consisted of a Leather bustier, traditional Native American Moccasins, Ringmaster Tailcoat Showman Jacket (Women), Fitted Jacket with Fur shawl collar and on set alterations.