Red Cloud

Completed January 2025

“Red Cloud” was a fierce warrior, chief, and statesman from 1822-1909. He was the leader of the Ogala Lakota tribe and was one of the most photographed Native Americans during that time. He led his people and surrounding tribes fearlessly onto the battlefield, successfully defeating the US Army on American soil during the Fetterman Battle. After their success Red Cloud sought peace for his people and traveled to Washington D.C. and New York to preserve sacred land and negotiate a peace treaty. Even though his efforts gained a short lived agreement between the U.S. and the midwestern tribes it was not honored and even today Native American tribes seek to reclaim their lands and heritage. Red Cloud not only inspired me in his actions during his life, but I found him striking and wanted to recreate him and honor him by bringing attention to his plight that continues into today’s generation. Working in monochromatic cardboard I built a pedestal that is packed with symbolism and reference to the Ogala Lakota tribe. I worked with various museums and private collectors to gain access to textiles and other artifacts that were from the time period that Red Cloud lived. The actual bust of red cloud is done with the embellishment of colored cardboard. The only item on the entire sculpture that is painted are the ping pong ball eyes. I always use one non cardboard item hidden within my pieces. I also worked with museums while researching the headdress and the clothing to be as accurate as possible. My hope is that someday Red Clouds vision for his people can be realized and we can all understand the term Mitakuye Oyasin. (We are all connected)