Dana Tiger
| Dana Irene Tiger | |
|---|---|
| Born |
1961 Muskogee, Oklahoma |
| Ethnicity | Muskogee Creek-Seminole and Cherokee |
| Education | Oklahoma State University, Bacone College |
| Occupation | artist |
| Years active | 1985 - present |
| Website | |
|
www | |
Dana Tiger (born 1961) is a Muscogee Creek-Seminole and Cherokee artist from Oklahoma. Her artwork focuses on portrayals of strong women. She uses art as a medium for activism and raising awareness. Tiger was inducted into the Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame in 2001.
Biography
Dana Irene Tiger was born in 1961 to Jerome Tiger[1] and Peggy[2] Richmond.[3] Her father was a full blood Indian of Muskogee-Seminole heritage and her mother is a member of the Cherokee Tribe.[4] Tiger's father died of an accidental gunshot wound when she was 5 years old and she was raised by her mother. To promote her father's work, keep his legacy alive, and be taken seriously as an art dealer, Tiger's mother ran the business pretending to be a man. Jerome's brother, Johnny Tiger, Jr., acted as family patriarch, told stories of their father to his children, and surrounded them with art.[2]
Tiger first began painting at age 24. Her themes of strong women, grew out of personal experiences of discrimination and tragedy.[5] She uses art as a medium to empower women.[6] Characteristics of her paintings are resilient women depicted in both historical and contemporary leadership positions,[7] usually in watercolor or acrylic.[8]
Tiger often combines art work and advocacy, promoting benefits for the AIDS Coalition for Indian Outreach, the American Cancer Society, the National Organization for Women, and the Ozark Literacy Council among others.[7] Native American health is a particular focus.[8]
Personal life
Tiger had planned to remain single and dedicate her life to art,[6] but when her brother was murdered in 1990 and her sister was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS two years later, her view of the world changed. She felt that she could honor her siblings by bringing new life into the world.[2] Tiger married Donnie Blair on 7 November, 1992. They have two children: a daughter Christie, born 1 September, 1993, named after her brother, and a son, Coleman Lisan, born 16 July, 1995, named for her sister.[1] Both of her children are award winning artists.[2]
In 1999, Tiger was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Soon after her diagnosis, Tiger's sister Lisa was also diagnosed with Parkinson's.[2]
In 2001 Tiger was inducted into the Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame for her advocacy for women and children and Native Americans. In 2002, she founded a non-profit organization, Legacy Cultural Learning Community, to foster arts development for Native youth.[5]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Dana Tiger - Creek Tribe". ArtNatAm. ArtNatAm. Retrieved 8 April 2015.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Tall Chief, Russ (December 2012). "Triumph Over Tragedy". Orenda Art. Retrieved 8 April 2015.
- ↑ "Jerome Christopher Coleman "Chris" Tiger". Find A Grave. Find A Grave. Retrieved 8 April 2015.
- ↑ "Welcome to Twin Territories: Dana Tiger". Cherokees Western. Twin Territories. Retrieved 8 April 2015.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Jessepe, Lorraine (26 October 2009). "Dana Tiger answered the voice inside". Indian Country Today Media Network. Retrieved 8 April 2015.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Winslow, Laurie (1 March 1989). "Dana Tiger Featured at Indian Art Show". Tulsa World. Retrieved 8 April 2015.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Dana Tiger Painting Selected for Commemorative Poster". Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence. May 6, 2008. Retrieved 8 April 2015.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Young, James (April 3, 2013). "Twelfth Native Women & Men’s Wellness Conference Held in San Diego". OU Outreach. Retrieved 8 April 2015.