Nena Howell (Walton) is a contemporary Tlingit oil painter whose art explores the profound connections between abundance, wellness, and our responsibility as stewards of the natural world. Rooted in her ancestral Tlingit heritage, Howell creates figurative canvases that seamlessly blend traditional Tlingit formline principles with the dynamic energy of abstract expressionism. Her paintings resonate with a powerful sense of universal connection and reverence for the environment.
Inspired by her late Tlingit grandfather, Rudolph Walton, a distinguished master artist and carver from Sitka, Howell also finds creative influences with contemporary Tlingit artists like David Boxley, Sr., and James Johnson, alongside the innovative artists such as Lee Krasner, Richard Schmid, Jeffrey T. Larson, and Alice Neel.
A defining element of Howell's artistic practice is the embodiment of movement. Through broad and delicate strokes, and shifts in color and value, her canvases capture the interconnectedness of all life – human, animal, air, and sea – each holding an equal place of reverence. For Howell, the subtle vibrations of the air and the deep rhythm of the drum echo within everything, an energy that often lifts her work into realms of lightness and symbolized flight. This feeling of weightlessness is a deeply personal experience at the canvas; the scent of oils ignites a sense of near-levitation, a profound immersion in the act of creation.
Following a successful career in business and marketing, Howell dedicated herself to her artistic passions and the exploration of cultural art wellness in 2020. This pivotal shift underscored her commitment to contribute to her community's well-being through art. Her artistic journey has included studies at institutions such as the University of Alaska, University of Washington, Seattle's Gage Academy of Art, Wenatchee College, Sedona Art Center, and Pacific Art League, as well as invaluable prominent artist courses with David A. Boxley Sr., David Laffel, Nancy Taylor Stonington, Andy Thomas, Kai Lun Qu, and Lonnie Zarem. These diverse educational experiences have enriched and broadened her artistic expertise.
Howell’s compelling artwork has been featured in numerous juried exhibitions, including the prestigious In the Spirit Exhibition at the WA State History Museum and the National Finalist Interstate Exhibition at Central Washington University. Her paintings are held in private collections across the United States, a testament to their emotional resonance and artistic significance. Nena’s family roots from Sitka, AK and Edmonds, WA, Howell now currently is based in Wenatchee, WA. Howell's art is proudly represented by Gallery 110 in the vibrant Seattle art scene. Her involvement includes elected positions with Women Painters Washington in Seattle, and she was honored with an Art Business Fellowship from the First Peoples Fund in South Dakota. Additionally, she is a Gallery Member and Elected Board member at Gallery 110 in Seattle and is a certified Tlingit & Haida Tribal Artist. Nena Howell’s art offers a powerful visual narrative that honors her heritage while embracing contemporary expression and movement, inviting viewers to contemplate the dynamic interconnectedness of all things and the inherent lightness found in profound unity.
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Wenatchee, WA
