Shana Yellowcalf Video Interview + Questions

Edited for Youtube (Questions not in order that they appear in video)

blog post - https://daybreakstarradio.com/2024/12/the-art-of-painting-with-shana-yellow-calf/

1. You know I have to ask about your very anticipated piece, your children’s book that’s in the works. I also heard you got the inspiration from a past piece, the ‘frybread trails’ and the fry bread gang. If you could just take us back to the moment of inspiration that helped you embark on this journey.

2. I’ve read that your art can derive from a live event, a memory, or a family member, but stories also seem very important to your artwork. I was wondering about the process of how you get the image and story in your mind on the canvas; what does your environment look like when you’re painting?

3. Back in May 2024, you created a piece of art for the Redmond senior and community center. Can you take us back to the experience of getting a grant from the city of Redmond to create a piece of art for the new Redmond senior and community center? What was the biggest obstacle?

4. What has the process for creating the children’s book been like, and how do you keep motivation when embarking on large projects such as these?

5. I’ve read that you express your culture and feelings in many different ways. What medium is your favorite to express that culture and sentiment we see in so much of your art? What form do you believe gives you the most freedom?

6. I know you not only paint but also do woodworking, and now with a children’s book coming out, literature. What form of expression have you found to be your favorite, and why?

7. If you had to pick one piece of your work that tells your favorite story or expresses you and your culture the best, which one would you choose?

8. When a viewer engages with your art, is there any specific information that you would want them to understand about your art or your culture?

9. How did you stay motivated during the Redmond community center piece?

10. When working on projects that are for the masses and when working under grants, how do you balance your voice and expression with market or audience expectations?

11. Do you have any advice for young Indigenous artists that are navigating their own creative journeys?