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BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, BRUNEI DARUSSALAM - Not many college freshmen go to Brunei while on break from school. But not many college freshmen are as talented as Cherokee artist Yatika Fields.

Fields was selected to represent the United States at the Asian Pacific Economic Council (APEC) Young Artists' Exhibition in Brunei. The theme of the exhibition was "Contemporary Indigenous Arts-Discovering the Roots," and Fields was one of just 21 young artists, and the only American, chosen for the event.

"I think the exhibition is a big stepping-stone for me and also for my art," Fields said. "I learned a lot from the other artists, seeing a little bit of their culture and how they partake of their own art."

Among Fields' works displayed at the show were paintings that depicted his perception on how economic progression in the American economy has evolved from traditional trades into the age of competition in the modern global market.

"It's an honor, but I went over there just to enjoy the experience." Fields said. "I tried not to make a big deal out of it."

Fields is modest in discussing his own work, which consists primarily of oil paintings, though he has dabbled in photography and film. "My paintings are abstract, surreal images that I capture from my dreams," Fields said. "My work is not Native American oriented, but I am a Native American artist. Later in my life, I see myself working with images of my culture."

Apart from providing valuable exposure for young, aspiring, artistic talents from all over the Asia-Pacific region, the exhibition also served to develop a network among new artists, thereby fostering friendships and enhancing cooperation in the world of art and culture.

"There were young native artists from all over the Pacific Rim, from Australia to Vietnam," Fields said. "We each worked on a 4 foot by 4 foot section of a huge mural that represented each artist and their native culture. Only five of us spoke English, so we got to know each other pretty well.

"It was a great experience working with artists from China, Papua New Guinea, all over the Pacific Rim, and seeing their culture come out in their work," Fields said.

Fields, a 2000 graduate of Stillwater High School, is Cherokee, Osage and Creek. "I’m always going to be a creator of some sort, whether it’s painting or not. I’ll be creating an image I want to portray," Fields said.

Fields is the son of Tom and Anita Fields, of Stillwater, Oklahoma, and is currently a freshman at the Art Institute of Boston.