The Art of Painting with Shana Yellow Calf

Shana Yellow Calf of the Arapaho Nation is a contemporary artist whose vibrant and stunning art leaps off the canvas and brings joy to those who are lucky enough to experience it. DJ Ev sits down with her to discuss exactly what art means to her.

In terms of mediums that Shana prefers, acrylics are at the top of her list. Being a forgiving sort, she expresses that if you mess up with acrylics you can simply paint right over it and start again.

All of her paintings tell a story, whether it’s a traditional one, interactions with people, or things happening in her own life. Shana firmly believes that art should be optimistic and tries to never paint when she feels sad or angry in case it translates into her work. She expresses that the enjoyment from seeing the stories can make people happy, having a bad day can be changed by seeing art. Art can help escape from the things that make you sad, it should be positive. Having been through hard times herself, Shana notes that she always got through by finding that one thing that reminds her that there are still good things out there. If her art can be that thing for someone else going through hard times, then she believes she has done her job.

In-between her work as an artist, she is also about to become a published author of a children’s book called Frybread Trails, an Adventure Across Powwow Country. The book follows the tricksters as they go across the country and meet a range of characters, each with their own unique recipe for frybread. What makes the book so unique is that it is not only a children’s book full of beautiful illustrations, but it also has recipes for each of the versions of frybread that our tricksters come across so you can try and make them yourself.

This one-of-a-kind children’s book came about after a conversation with another elder at a powwow. Discussing the different types of frybread, and the old names it used to go by, it became apparent that Shana knew a great deal about the subject, and the idea grew from there.

Shana loves all of her art, but she does have a favorite. Her first ever piece done six years ago called Pray for Us Mother Earth holds a special space in her heart. A painting she did for her mother, it embodies all of who she is and where she comes from.

The advice Shana wants to give to those looking to make art of their own is to find a way to make a connection. Art allows us to work through whatever emotions we are working through and have our own therapy on paper. It is powerful and worth the time it takes.

Keep a look out for Shana’s book, coming soon!