C3 ARTWORK AND ARTISTS – TEXAS NATIVE HEALTH

ARTWORK AND ARTISTS OF C3

Welcome to the gallery of our featured sound panel artworks! Each of these stunning pieces were created by a talented artist whose work reflects the beauty, resilience, and cultural richness of Native American communities. These sound panels, displayed prominently in our Community Cultural Center, not only enhance the space acoustically but also serve as a canvas for creativity and storytelling. Here, you’ll find titles and photos of each piece, along with the artist’s name, a brief bio highlighting their journey and achievements, and a link to their website where you can explore more of their inspiring creations. This page is our way of showing gratitude for their contributions and sharing their work with our community. We invite you to learn more about these incredible artists and support their ongoing artistic endeavors.

"Morning Blessings/Morning Prayer"

© Pierston Doctor. All rights reserved.
This artwork is the intellectual property of the artist and is displayed here with permission. Any reproduction, distribution, or use of this image without the artist’s express consent is strictly prohibited.

& "Coyote Stealing the Stars"

Artist: Pierston Doctor, Dine

Piersten Doctor, a self-taught Diné artist born and raised in Arizona, is known for his dynamic style that captures powerful movements and gestures through compelling perspectives. His work explores and portrays Indigenous stories, blending tradition with innovation to preserve these narratives for future generations. Piersten’s art invites viewers to feel a deep emotional connection, fostering reflection and appreciation for the cultural heritage it represents. Piersten’s artistic journey began in the heart of downtown Phoenix, where he developed his skills within a vibrant community. He has been a key contributor to the Native Art Market, the only Indigenous-owned and operated store in Old Town Scottsdale. Today, his work is featured internationally in esteemed collections, including the Tia Art Collection in Santa Fe and the Fahrenheit Gallery. Dedicated to pushing the boundaries of his craft, Piersten is committed to exploring fine art while staying grounded in the sacred aspects of Diné culture. He approaches his work with respect for what must remain sacred and thoughtfully considers what can be shared. Piersten is of the Water’s Edge clan, born for Bitter Water. His maternal grandfather is from the Deer Spring clan, and his paternal grandfather is of Red Streaking Water, with Ute descent. These ancestral connections deeply influence and guide his artistry as he continues to evolve and surpass his creative limits.

Artist Instagram: @Pdoc_pierre

"Pray Renew"

© J. Nicole Hatfield. All rights reserved.
This artwork is the intellectual property of the artist and is displayed here with permission. Any reproduction, distribution, or use of this image without the artist’s express consent is strictly prohibited.

Artist: J. Nicole Hatfield, Comanche

J. NiCole is a self-taught contemporary painter of Comanche and Kiowa descent. Originally from Apache, Oklahoma, she currently resides in Enid, Oklahoma. She developed a love for drawing at an early age, which eventually led to painting at the age of 15. “Painting is medicine; it's very healing to me,” she says. Hatfield draws inspiration from historical photographs of tribal people and frequently incorporates tribal languages into her paintings in hopes of helping to preserve them. She attended the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, for one semester, where she expanded her work into various mediums. Her preferred medium is acrylic, which allows her to translate bold colors onto canvas. Her artwork has been featured across the country and includes public murals, such as one on the Lacey Pioneer Building in Anadarko, Oklahoma, and another titled “See The Woman” on the East Sheridan Street underpass in downtown Oklahoma City. In the summer of 2019, Hatfield created several murals, including one on the wall of Thunderbird Casino outside Norman, Oklahoma; another at the Museum of Native American History in Bentonville, Arkansas; and a temporary mural for the Oklahoma Contemporary summer project. She continues to participate in numerous Native American art markets throughout the year. Hatfield also travels both locally and nationally to create live works of art for special events and fundraisers. Her work has supported organizations such as the Native American Student Program at the University of California, Riverside, as well as many others throughout Indian Country.

Artist Instagram: @nahmiapiahart

"Neon Natives: Come As You Are"

© Zackery BirdFaraway. All rights reserved.
This artwork is the intellectual property of the artist and is displayed here with permission. Any reproduction, distribution, or use of this image without the artist’s express consent is strictly prohibited.

Artist: Zackery BirdFaraway, Crow

Born in the 1980’s, Zackery BirdFaraway is a Native American contemporary artist and enrolled member of the Crow Tribe, with cultural ties to the Sioux Nation. His work explores the evolving identity of Indigenous peoples in the modern world, blending traditional themes with contemporary artistic expressions. Through a dynamic visual language, he honors his heritage while challenging conventional narratives, creating pieces that resonate with both personal history and collective experience.

Artist Facebook: @Zackery BirdFaraway

"Spirit River"

© Amy Keller-Rempp. All rights reserved.
This artwork is the intellectual property of the artist and is displayed here with permission. Any reproduction, distribution, or use of this image without the artist’s express consent is strictly prohibited.

Artist: Amy Keller-Rempp, Crow

Amy Keller-Rempp is a talented artist who started to paint when she was only ten years old. She has developed an incredible talent to draw and paint wildlife and scenery. Growing up in rural Onatrio, Canada allowed Amy to observe many different types of animals and birds living on the land and lakes that surrounded her home. Amy lived in Alberta for nine years and has been inspired by all the nature that surrounded her in Western Canada. This Phase of her life has given her a larger perspective of this beautiful country and has inspired her to grow as an artist and to explore several new exciting styles of painting. Amy’s love for wildlife stands out and is portrayed through her beautiful paintings. She invests hours on each painting, creating beautiful pieces flowing with color, life, expression, energy, and feeling. She loves to show the animal’s spirit through its eyes, actions, and expressions. Every small detail counts.

Artist Instagram: @amykellerremppart

"Medicine Wheel"

© Tina Heck. All rights reserved.
This artwork is the intellectual property of the artist and is displayed here with permission. Any reproduction, distribution, or use of this image without the artist’s express consent is strictly prohibited.

Artist: Tina Heck

Nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills of Northern California, Tina Heck has been drawing and painting since childhood, developing a deep connection to the landscapes that now inspire much of her work. Specializing in watercolor, acrylic, and pen & ink, her art reflects a love for nature’s intricate patterns and the rich symbolism found in both Celtic and Native American design traditions. While also a cartoonist at heart, Tina Heck has focused more on painting in recent years, creating pieces that blend fine detail with expressive natural elements. Her work invites viewers to slow down and appreciate the beauty and complexity of the world around us.

"Apache Beauty"

© Derayna DeClay. All rights reserved.
This artwork is the intellectual property of the artist and is displayed here with permission. Any reproduction, distribution, or use of this image without the artist’s express consent is strictly prohibited.

Artist: Derayna DeClay, White Mountain Apache

From preschool paint sessions to large-scale mural installations, Derayna DeClay has nurtured a lifelong passion for creating art. A proud graduate of the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, NM, she draws inspiration from the rich landscape and culture of the White Mountain Apache Indian Reservation in Eastern Arizona. Derayna DeClay's work ranges from intimate, small-scale drawings to bold, permanent murals—each piece blending whimsical storytelling with cultural reflection. Through a playful crossover of past and present, Derayna’s art invites viewers to explore the vibrant, humorous, and iconic imagery rooted in Native life and imagination.

Artist Instagram: @declayderayna

TRIBAL PATTERNS AND DESIGN RENDITIONS

Citizen Potawatomi Regalia Design

Citizen Potawatomi Nation people originated in the Great Lakes region as part of the larger Nishnabe society. They held a deep connection with Sekmekwé (Mother Earth) and constant consideration for the plant and animal life. The reverence and adoration for the beauty around them shows itself in their ceremonial clothing. Regalia crafted by either its wearer or someone close to them expresses Potawatomi culture, history and tradition as well as that individual’s personality. People often pick colors and patterns with special meaning to create a theme that encompasses all of the pieces of their regalia. In particular, floral patterns have remained a prominent style for hundreds of years.

Comanche Rock Art

Comanche rock art found in various locations across their historical territories in the southern Plains, offers a glimpse into the cultural and spiritual life of the Comanche people. These artworks, often painted or carved onto rock surfaces, depict scenes of hunting, warfare, and daily life, as well as spiritual symbols and ceremonial imagery. Figures of warriors, horses, and animals such as bison frequently appear, illustrating the deep connection the Comanche had with their environment and way of life. Rock art sites are considered sacred and hold historical significance, reflecting the creativity, beliefs, and narratives of the Comanche people passed down through generations. The Comanche were renowned as master horsemen, often referred to as the "Lords of the Plains" due to their unmatched skill in breeding, training, and riding horses. They acquired horses in the early 18th century, revolutionizing their way of life by becoming highly mobile and formidable warriors. Their war horses were meticulously trained for speed, agility, and responsiveness, enabling them to excel in raids and battles. The Comanche's deep connection with their horses was both practical and spiritual, viewing them as vital partners in their survival, warfare, and cultural identity.

Cherokee Weaving Pattern

Weaving is a traditional craft among the Cherokee people, historically involving natural materials like river cane, white oak, and honeysuckle to create baskets, mats, and other items. Cherokee weavers are known for their intricate patterns, often inspired by nature and imbued with symbolic meaning. These woven creations served both functional and artistic purposes, playing an essential role in daily life and ceremonies. The Serpent 2 design is a 20th century adaptation, but is a popular motif among Eastern Band Cherokee today.

Diamond Sewing Pattern:

Traditionally, the band of full diamonds pays homage and respect to nature. The pattern is derived from the skin of the eastern diamondback rattlesnake. Choctaw ancestors respected the rattlesnake because of its powerful venom and dominant place among other creatures.

Comb or Band Designs – Pottery Pattern:

These designs are among the most common found on Choctaw pottery. In ancient times, these decorations are believed to have represented the patterns of nature—movements of the stars, the wind or the sun. These designs are also commonly associated with the step patterns of the Choctaw dances, such as the snake dance.

Today, the associations are much the same as in the past, but each contemporary artist adds their own viewpoints and interpretations. Similar comb and band designs have been found on pottery from ancestral sites in Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana. The pattern crossed the Trail of Tears and has continued to be used by Oklahoma Choctaw potters.

Kiowa Painted Shield

Kiowa warriors were highly respected within their communities for their bravery, skill, and leadership. Known for their expertise in horse riding and combat, they played a central role in defending their territory and participating in raids and intertribal conflicts. Warriors often adorned themselves with symbolic regalia, including painted shields, feathered headdresses, and intricate beadwork, to display their achievements and spiritual strength. The Kiowa warrior tradition also emphasized a strong code of honor, storytelling, and ceremonial practices, which were integral to maintaining their identity and passing down their cultural values.

Coast Salish Textile/Weaving Pattern

The Coast Salish is a collective term for a diverse group of Indigenous peoples who traditionally inhabit the coastal regions of the Pacific Northwest, such as the Yakama Nation, Spokane Tribe, and Nisqually Tribe. Using materials like mountain goat wool, dog hair, and plant fibers, Coast Salish weavers create intricate textiles, including blankets, robes, and ceremonial items. The practice involves techniques passed down through generations, often incorporating geometric patterns and motifs that hold symbolic meaning. Weaving is not only a reflection of Coast Salish identity but also a way to honor their ancestors, connect with the natural world, and preserve their cultural heritage. Salish weaving used five basic motifs (including zigzags, squares, and triangles), a limited selection of patterns that could be combined in many ways.

Chickasaw Tattoos

Tattoos held deep cultural and spiritual significance for the Chickasaw people, symbolizing identity, achievements, and connections to their community and ancestors. Both men and women adorned their bodies with tattoos, often featuring geometric patterns, animal motifs, or designs reflecting personal accomplishments or tribal affiliation. These tattoos were more than decorative; they conveyed stories of bravery, social status, and spiritual beliefs. The tradition of tattooing among the Chickasaw has seen a resurgence in recent years as a way to honor and reconnect with their ancestral practices and heritage.

Caddo Pottery Pattern

The Caddo tribe is renowned for its sophisticated pottery, which is considered some of the finest in Native American craftsmanship. Known for their thin-walled, intricately decorated vessels, Caddo potters used techniques such as engraving, incising, and burnishing to create stunning patterns and designs. Pottery held both functional and ceremonial significance, often used for cooking, storage, and burial offerings. These creations reflect the Caddo’s deep cultural connection to their environment and their artistic legacy, which continues to inspire modern Caddo potters today.

Seminole Patchwork

Seminole patchwork is a vibrant and distinctive art form that reflects the resilience and creativity of the Seminole people. Developed in the early 20th century, this technique involves sewing strips of colorful fabric into intricate geometric patterns, which are then incorporated into garments such as skirts, shirts, and jackets. The designs are not only visually striking but also serve as a cultural identifier, celebrating Seminole heritage and ingenuity. Today, Seminole patchwork remains an important symbol of identity and pride, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary expression.

TNH would like to extend our gratitude to Akouo Acoustics for their outstanding work in designing and installing the acoustic sound panels featured in our Community Cultural Center. Their dedication to quality and creativity helped us create a space that is both visually inspiring and acoustically functional.