Vanessa Jennings
Vanessa Paukeigope Jennings (b. 1952) is a Kiowa-Apache-Gila River Pima regalia maker, clothing designer, cradle board maker, and bead artist from Oklahoma.[1]
Jennings is enrolled in the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma and is the granddaughter of artist Stephen Mopope.
"I do my grandmother's work," Jennings said. "I do my great-grandmother's work. This is what they used to do. They are the ones who should be honored."[2] Besides finished pieces, she is one of the few artists who brain-tans her own hides.[1]
In 1989 Jennings was made a National Heritage Fellow.[3] She was also named a Living National Treasure by the US President and the congress. In 2004, she was named the Honored One by the Red Earth Festival.[1]
She lives in Red Stone, east of Fort Cobb, Oklahoma.[1]
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 McDonnell, Brandy. "Expertise in Kiowa Crafts Brings 52-year-old Recognition." News Oklahoma via Canku Ota. 5 June 2004 (retrieved 6 April 2011)
- ↑ Nott, Robert. "Shaking up tradition: Indian Market judges award Best of Show to two artists." Santa Fe New Mexican. 21 Aug 2010 (retrieved 23 March 2011)
- ↑ Tom Pich (Vol 3, 2009). "Picture Perfect: PORTRAITS OF NEA NATIONAL HERITAGE FELLOWS". NEA Arts.