The work of Joseph Wolveskill honors the cultural diversity and
 tribal individualism of traditional Native America. His people,
 the Comanche, were lords of the Southern Plains. Through the

Uto-Aztecan Family on the Shoshone branch you will find his
 Comanche ancestors. His present work includes a historically and
 culturally sound exploration into the many faces of traditional
 Native America and a series on sacred animals, using his favorite
 medium, pastels.



While there are many artists of varied backgrounds who choose to
 depict Native American themes in their work, few are as
 meticulous in their authenticity as Joseph Wolveskill. His
 efforts to maintain the integrity and the essence of each
 individual tribe renders his work unique. His extensive research
 on the tribes portrayed - the regalia, hair, paint, tatooing, and
 color preferences - comes from historical and anthropological
 texts, period photographs and museum pieces.



Joseph Wolveskill presently resides in Albuquerque, New Mexico
 though his hometown is Houston, Texas. He spent ten years in Los
 Angeles, California. While in Los Angeles, he was active in the
 Native American community, one of the largest in the country. He
 is strongly connected to and proud of his heritage, and works to
 keep these traditions alive for his son and future generations.
 Within the pow wow arena he dances Northern Traditional - a style
 he prefers for it's emotional eloquence and aggressive
 expression. As an artisan on the pow wow circuit, his treatment
 of traditional Native American crafts (bead, leather and bone
 work) is natural and organic, utilizing materials such as bone,
 stone, real metals, and leather. Certain pieces utilize period
 media, such as glass beads from the 1800's. "I want to keep it as
 raw as I possibly can and as real to what it is." says Joseph
 about his work.



His concern about the way Native Americans are portrayed in
 American culture has led him to work as an actor on such film as
 "Geronimo", "Cheyenne Warrior", the television series "Dr. Quinn,
 Medicine Woman" and the documentary "A Place in the Circle",
 among others. "Each nation has it's own history, culture, stories
 and beliefs. To assume that a Cherokee is the same as a Sioux
 would be like saying an Irishman is the same as an Englishman"
 says Joseph. Joseph also performs "First Speeches" and
 educational presentations for various organizations and museums.



An artist since he was old enough to draw, Joseph Wolveskill was
 first recognized at the age of ten, in a nationwide art
 competition. After many years of developing his technique,
 knowledge and perspective, Joseph began to publically show his
 art in 1994.



Please note that all artwork on this site is copyrighted by the
 artist and may not be used or reproduced in any manner without
 the express permission of Joseph Wolveskill.
  

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