Layla H.

I am a fifteen-year-old self-taught artist who practices with mediums such as acrylic paint, watercolor, pencil, clay, gouache and more. In the past, I’ve had many portfolios and collections that range from animal portraits to still life to landscapes. My submission will be one of the first Native artworks that I’ve ever drawn, and I’m very happy to be sharing it with you.

This piece of artwork represents what is sacred to me as a Native American teen. Sadly, only 1.1% of the U.S. population is a part of the Indigenous community, so the importance of cultural remembrance is very significant. This artwork shows an Indigenous ancestor that is wearing a bright and colorful headdress. In the blend of feathers, a mix of Native culture and symbols display my sacred traditions to represent myself also, I included a Lumbee tribal symbol, freckles, brown curly hair and many favorable Native colors, such as the famous teal.