Jaune Quick-to-See, 1993-1994

Jaune Quick-to-See Smith
Maurice Sanchez, printer
1993-1994

Workshop: April 21-23, 1993

Jaune Quick-to-see Smith, one of the best-known American Indian artists, was already earning a living as a painter when she completed her MFA at the University of New Mexico. Smith’s work addresses the myths of her Native American ancestors in current political contexts. Her media include paint, collage, and graphics, which she uses to create both realistic and abstract images. She has also founded artist groups, curated exhibitions, and organized grassroots movements to express her concern for the environment, governmental oppression of native cultures, and pervasive cultural myths. Smith has said she sees herself as “a harbinger, a mediator and a bridge builder. My art, my life experience, and my tribal ties are totally enmeshed. I go from one community with messages to the other, and I try to enlighten people.”

Many of Quick-to-See-Smith’s monotypes from her Smith workshop feature the figure of General George Armstrong Custer, the United States Army Officer best known for his campaigns against the Southern Cheyenne during the late 1860s, and for his resounding defeat (and death) at the Battle of Little Big Horn in 1876.

In order to maximize time, Master Printer Maurice Sanchez set up two presses, shuttling between the two while the artist drew. Quick-to-See Smith produced over seventy monotypes over the three days of the workshop.

Smith, Jaune Quick‑to‑See. American, 1940 –