Stillwater Arts Festival 2023

Vincent (Joe Don) Brave - Painting/Drawing

Vincent (Joe Don) Brave - Painting/Drawing

Pawhuska OK
Born in KC in 1965, relocated to OK at age 9, immersed within traditions of the Osage/Cherokee, until I left for college in Santa Fe and then to NYC to work at the Smithsonian, where the world opened for me. Returned to OK, working at tribal museum until it became important to follow art full time. My artwork revolves around my heritage, emotions, environment and expressions that I have picked up through my adventures along the road, and while listening to the elders tell the stories of their experiences. My materials focus on acrylic paint or a variety of drawing utensils – always changing with my mood, the weather or influences from the story of the painting. My techniques change with the wind – one day I am watering down my acrylics for a watercolor look and the next day, on another painting, I use a pallet knife to push paint around. I love bright colors and I love to change things up with my technique on a painting by painting base!