My Native Heritage is a Great Influence in My Art
Indian Arts & Crafts Board (IACB) Verified Native Artisan
I was born and raised in Bishop, California on the Owens Valley Paiute Indian Reservation. I am full-blooded 3/4 Paiute and 1/4 Washoe and my Native heritage is a great influence in my works of art. On my father’s side, I am the Great-grandson of Tom Stone, Paiute chief & storyteller; grandson of Raymond Stone, world renowned sculptor, medicine man, & tribal spokesman, Evelina (Anthony) Stone, who was a Woodfords, CA Washoe, & son of Anthony Stone. On my mother’s side, I am the son of A.Patricia (Summers) Stone, & Great-great grandson of Captain John, last chief of Yosemite. I am also related to Wavoka and other great leaders. I am proud to carry on these traditions through my art work. I am a self taught artist and learn as I go, and I look forward to learning many new types of media. I have been drawing since 1995. I was forced out of construction by a knee injury, which was a blessing, for I was shown that art was my true calling. (The Lord works in mysterious ways !) My works can be seen in many local and regional galleries & museums, including the Smithsonian in Washington DC. My art can also be found in private collections around the world. I have performed my flute in many places including Osaka, Japan and Vicenza, Italy. I have won program cover designs and awards and ribbons in graphics for my drawings. I was one of four runner ups for the California State Indian Seal. When performing on my flute, I also story-tell about many true stories regarding playing my flute to animals and their many varied responses! Stories include playing for coyotes, dragonflies, eagles, bears, antelopes, and many more. I have played for many elementary schools, pow-wows, graduations, funerals, special events, etc and love to travel to display my art and/or play my flute.
About the Indigenous Artisans Collective
Etsy and Nest are proud to support the Indigenous Artisans Collective within the Etsy Uplift Makers Program, featuring shops from Indigenous makers affiliated with 10 Indigenous groups across the United States and the First Nations of Canada.
Many of the makers practice craft skills that have been inspired by or passed down from family and community mentors. Product collections include meticulously handcrafted home goods, jewelry and other accessories, in honor of the maker’s culture and heritage. Amongst many Indigenous communities, traditional handcraft continues to hold significant cultural value, as well as economic opportunity.
Through the Uplift Makers: Indigenous Artisans Collective, Etsy and Nest are helping to create digital market access and economic opportunities for Indigenous makers while also providing artisans with resources and tools to help run a successful online business. From expert-led digital marketing training, onboarding support, and a custom resource library, the program delivers a comprehensive suite of programming to participants. Additionally, the program addresses key barriers new business owners face such as providing professional photography to capture the creative content needed to showcase their talent and reach new customers in today’s digital era.
