JIM YELLOWHAWK

Jim Yellowhawk grew up on the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota. He is an enrolled member of the Itazipco Band of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe with Onondaga/Iroquois heritage on his mother’s side. Yellowhawk has been immersed in the arts of his ancestors since he was a young boy. His grandmother Annie Yellowhawk was a traditional Lakota beadwork artist and role model for traditional ways, and his father, Jerry Yellowhawk, is a passionate artist in a variety of techniques and mediums. 

Jim Yellowhawk is an internationally known artist who is celebrated for his dynamic art that bridges traditional Lakota art forms with contemporary themes. His innovative use of mediums, from neon light to bark paper collage, allows him to express powerful symbolic imagery rooted in his heritage. Yellowhawk's art, which includes traditional symbols like the eagle and the buffalo, is not only displayed in galleries worldwide but also reflects his belief in the circle of life and unity. His work is a testament to the enduring spirit and evolving identity of the Lakota people.

A graduate of Marion College in Indiana, he also studied at the Columbus College of Art and Design in Ohio. Jim shares his Lakota culture through traditional Lakota dance, and continues to be invited to perform at venues all over the world

Yellowhawk says, “Traditional spirituality is woven into my daily life, work, practices, and way of being. It keeps me in balance and guides my creative processes. The horse, buffalo, elk, geese, and eagle nations are often represented in my art, in honor of the four winds. While my art comprises diverse media forms, my current passion is for ledger art, a traditional way of recording history for the native peoples in America. My techniques vary according to the feel of each piece. I like to experiment and challenge myself. I would like to leave my mark as an artist in a way that serves all people, and I very much hope to provide a strong and positive role model for native youth.”