THEY KNOW WHO THEY ARE Elders of the Chickasaw Nation [R]

THEY KNOW WHO THEY ARE Elders of the Chickasaw Nation

by Mike and Martha Larson

Publisher: Chickasaw Press, Ada, Oklahoma

Hardback with slip cover, first edition, 2008, Autographed by both authors

In August 2004, Mike Larson approached Chickasaw Nation leaders with an idea to interview Chickasaw elders—living sages of his own tribe.  He wanted to learn about their families and to hear their stories.  He wanted to connect with their Chickasaw strength and spirit.  Larsen’s vision was to create a series of living elders paintings.

Accompanied by his wife and photographer, Martha, the artist began not only a process for painting the series, but also a personal journey.  During the interviews, the Larsens often found themselves treated like members of the family.  The elders’ warm acceptance made them at home as they listened and learned what it means to be Chickasaw—what it means to “know who you are.”

In the Larsen studio, carefully rendered sketches progressed from paper to canvas with every added detail to produce 24 remarkable paintings.  In addition, Martha Larsen has written a richly detailed narrative of each of the elder’s interviews documenting their cultural beliefs, experiences and history.

Leerene Frazier—Rodeo Days

Catherine Willmond—Beloved Language

Pearl Carter Scott—Wiley, My Daddy and Me

Sim Greenwood—Bow Maker

Pauline Walker—Well, Thank You Anyway

Charlie Carter—Man of God

Minnie Shields—Prairie Girl

Ben and Juanita Nail—It Was Love at First Sight

Erie Cravatt—The Tree Frogs are Singing

Emily Dickerson—Wild Onions

Flora Perry—Strong Woman

Geraldine Greenwood—Keeper of Language

Governor Overton James—The Beginning