South Dakota Arts Council

South Dakota Arts Council

Pierre, SD

The SDAC is a state government grantmaking agency supported by the State of South Dakota, through the Dept. of Tourism, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Message
Wind Cave by Jim Yellow Hawk Image: “I portray traditional symbols — the eagle, the buffalo, and the circle — for which I hold strong beliefs. Many compositions are circular and evocative of the star knowledge in night sky scenes. Wind Cave is where the Lakota People emerged. It is the birthplace of the Buffalo and of the first breath of life. Wind Cave, Tate Wakan, ‘Holy Wind,’ Wasun Niye, ‘The Breathing Hole,’ reminds us with each breath in and out that we are Spiritual beings who must care for all our relations.”
“I portray traditional symbols — the eagle, the buffalo, and the circle — for which I hold strong beliefs. Many compositions are circular and evocative of the star knowledge in night sky scenes. Wind Cave is where the Lakota People emerged. It is the birthplace of the Buffalo and of the first breath of life. Wind Cave, Tate Wakan, ‘Holy Wind,’ Wasun Niye, ‘The Breathing Hole,’ reminds us with each breath in and out that we are Spiritual beings who must care for all our relations.”
Wind Cave by Jim Yellow Hawk Image: “I portray traditional symbols — the eagle, the buffalo, and the circle — for which I hold strong beliefs. Many compositions are circular and evocative of the star knowledge in night sky scenes. Wind Cave is where the Lakota People emerged. It is the birthplace of the Buffalo and of the first breath of life. Wind Cave, Tate Wakan, ‘Holy Wind,’ Wasun Niye, ‘The Breathing Hole,’ reminds us with each breath in and out that we are Spiritual beings who must care for all our relations.”
  • Jim Yellow Hawk
  • Wind Cave, 2008
  • Acrylic, rawhide, handmade paper
  • Framed: 24 x 24 in (60.96 x 60.96 cm)

Collection: Art For State Buildings x

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Jim Yellow Hawk is an enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Lakota Sioux tribe. Drawn to the arts since his youth, his family encouraged him to pursue his interest. Jim’s grandmother was well-known for her intricate Lakota beadwork and his father paints landscape scenes. In 2006, Jim was awarded a two-month Smithsonian Fellowship with the National American Indian Museum. Jim has experimented with various media and canvases such as neon light, airbrush, bark paper, collages, umbrellas, motorcycles, and abandoned satellite dishes. Jim seeks to inspire Native children to achieve their full potential.

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