Title: Iiniiyawa Nah'kapaiksikaiyiis (Where the Buffalo Roam II)

Artist: Craig T Marks

Tribal Affiliation: Pikuni (Blackfeet Nation)

Year Completed: 2021

Medium: Graphite, Colored Pencil, marker, acrylic, Unframed

Dimensions (HxWxD): Roughly 11 X 14"

Description/Inspiration:

Additional Information Mixed media image of iinii (American Bison) on historical document depicting Oklahoma and the Indian Territories, from the 1800's. Second in a series due to the tremendous response to the first piece.

Artist Bio:

Craig Marks is a Florida Suncoast fine artist and illustrator who resides in St. Petersburg with his wife and six children. A Pikuni descendant, the cultural influence of the Blackfeet culture is evident in his body of
work. He has developed strong relationships within the Blackfoot Confederacy and has gained recognition as a ledger artist. The titles of many of his works are in the Blackfoot language, in the hopes of inviting non-native viewers into conversations that dismantle stereotypes, and address inequities still existing in the 21st Century.

Artist Statement:

The Peace Love Art Indigenous Collective is a deeply personal experience, allowing me to show express my gratitude for those who have brought me to this point in my life. As an adopted child, I was blessed with a home and people who loved me and gave me everything. Like any adopted child, I had questions about who I was, and where I came from and left me with an emptiness I had accepted as one I would have to live with.

When I found my birth family, that began to change. Eventually it would be art that opened the doors to understanding my past and finding my ancestors. Each face I paint has a story to tell. Every being depicted on my canvas or rendered on paper has honored me with sharing their story with the world before it is forgotten. Every line on paper or stroke of my brush brings life and spirit to a surface that
was once lifeless.

Please note:

Shipping within the U.S. & Canada is included in the purchase price. Sales tax and an additional 4% + $2.00 per item will be applied to the entire transaction to cover taxes, credit card processing, and other fees.