Xatímniim Drake

A big part of where my art inspiration comes from is my homelands in Karuk territory and my culture as a Karuk, Shasta and Hupa person. Being able to learn about my culture and my ancestors growing up is a big part of who I am today and of where my artistic side comes from. My ancestors were artists and I believe I got a lot of my talents from them and, of course, from my family and friends who are here in the physical world and inspire me every day.

My piece shows the love between a mother and their baby along with the power of the sipáamha (full moon) that brings us together with its power. The ikxarámkuusra (night-sun or moon) is a very important being in many tribes and stories and it has great strength and power that comes with it and radiates off of it. I look to the ikxaramkuusra and pray to it because I can feel the life coming off it. The tátach (mom) and ararápiit (newborn) that’s shown in my art resembles the relationship we’re supposed to have with the beings on this Earth.