Copyright © 2000 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

TAHLEQUAH, OK - Award winning Cherokee artist Talmadge Davis picked up more accolades at the recent 29th annual Trail of Tears Art Show. Davis won the People's Choice award and the Best of Division Award for his painting entitled "Walkabout- A Warrior's Spirit", and honorable mention for "How Far Must We Walk Before We're Home."

Davis uses real people as models for his work, and found inspiration for his latest award winner in a Vietnam War veteran. "Billy Walkabout is a full-blood Cherokee who was the most decorated Native American in the Vietnam War," said Davis. "His story speaks to generations of history among Cherokee warriors."

Davis' tries to use Cherokee culture and art to break down barriers. "When I paint, I'm not trying to tell people a story; I want them to see the people," said Davis. "Once you get to know someone, you don't see skin color anymore. People are visual. If they see something that's culturally correct it'll stick in their minds a lot better."

Davis' artwork differs from some other contemporary Indian artists because of his historical point of reference. "What I'm trying to do is reintroduce an ancient culture and heritage, pre-Columbus," he said. "We had a rich heritage long before the Trail of Tears, but we've forgotten what we used to be. I try emphasize our tradition and who we were, not who we turned out to be.

"The Cherokees are historically a southeastern tribe. A lot of the stereotypical Indian images are southwestern or plains Indian images. I try to use traditional Cherokee images because we need to understand where we were to understand where we are now. We need to have pride in our past to have faith in our future."

Davis most recent award winner, Walkabout, can be viewed at the Greencorn Gallery in Tahlequah, and online at Davis "All That Is Art". Davis lives near Lake Eufala and was raised in Porum Landing.