Shawna Andrea Fricke

I incorporate tribal designs inspired by my culture—past and present—through beadwork, basketry and photographs.

I'm Shawna Fricke, a proud member of the Owens Valley Paiute Tribe in Big Pine, California, and of Taos Pueblo in New Mexico. I've been creating art since I could remember. I'm an acrylics and mixed-media artist. I create depth and emotion in my art by the various layers of paint, washes and bold colors. I get my inspiration from my family, my community and my environment.

I incorporate tribal designs inspired by my culture, past and present, through beadwork, basketry and photographs. I graduated with an AFA in 2-Dimensional & 3-Dimensional Arts from the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) in Santa Fe, New Mexico. IAIA has provided amazing exposure and opportunities in the art field. I was inspired by other Indian artists, both students and instructors.

I am a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a wife, a mother, an artist.