PAUL HIGH HORSE

BIO: Paul High Horse is member of the Sicangu (Sičháŋǧu) Lakota tribe. Son of a Lakota father and Italian mother, Paul was born in New Jersey; however, at the age of three, his parents moved to the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota so Paul and his siblings could be immersed in their native culture. He lived on the reservation until he left to attend college at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Paul’s artistic philosophy incorporates a modern approach to communicate a rich historical context of the Lakota people. His art captures the symbols, traditions, and values inherent to the Lakota tribe. His work also explores different media including acrylics, archival pens, watercolor, and ledger paper. Paul currently teaches 7-12th grade art at Fort Calhoun Community School in Fort Calhoun, Nebraska, but resides in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

ARTIST STATEMENT: Although art has been a mainstay in my life since childhood, it wasn’t until around 2008 that I began to create with a purpose and a clear sense of direction. Balancing a full-time position as a 7-12 grade art instructor with my personal endeavor to develop myself as an artist has been an eventful journey. Growing up on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, I was exposed to the rich culture and traditions of my Lakota people. Most of my work is inspired by my Lakota culture – encompassing values, historical images, patterns, philosophies, and ideologies. Other influences include architecture, urban art, and my spirituality.