Artist Testimonials: We Are The Seeds

Jeff did Seeds for the first time in 2019. Paula invited Jeff, and I believe that was the first time that I met him. Jeff’s work is really elevated, and we were so grateful to have him and his work at Seeds. He has such lovely energy, and was really positive and enjoyed his time at Seeds. I was looking forward to Seeds 2020, particularly because Jeff was going to be involved again. We had only worked with him for one year, and I was looking forward to this continuation.

- Tailinh Agoyo

To me, Seeds is a place of discovery in that it helps artists discover themselves. It does not limit itself to known conventions. There is a sense of freedom to illustrate your ideas on any platform. If there is to be a new wave of artists or paradigm shift it will happen at Seeds first. The coolest thing about Seeds has been witnessing new opportunities and creating new friendships; it was like we knew each other all along before we even met!

The unique design of my artwork Flame blends traditional technique with a form that has been incubating in me for some time. I knew for a while that this shape would materialize and it isn't the only one that is in my being. I come from a family of artists. My mother worked with clay, both my great-grandmothers worked with clay and were renowned for it (Hah-nee-yah'ts on my father's side and Tonita Pena on my mother’s). I felt that the traditional method was the only way for this new form to reveal itself, because of those that came before me.

- Jeff Suina

I know Robert Martinez from forever. How could you not? You walk into a show, and you’re drawn right away to Robert’s work because it’s bold and beautiful and powerful. At the same time, you think, “How does he do that?” He’s a mystery to me, his work is so different from anyone else’s. He definitely has his own unique style. 

Robert brings his girls to We Are The Seeds and to other shows. His kids always participate in all the workshops, and I see them grabbing food and playing on the grass. When I see them at Seeds, it reminds me of me and my sisters when we were younger. That feeling of family, and of bringing together community, is really what makes Seeds very special. When we talk about Seeds, we say, “Seeds is for us! It’s for the community, it’s for the artists who participate, it’s for their families, and for Native people. Everybody else who wants to come is welcome, but this is for us to celebrate our joy.”

- Tailinh Agoyo

Seeds is a community based around Indigenous artists, performers, art industry professionals, their families and their supporters. It’s continually growing and adding new locations, new artists and new supporters to the “family.”

Indigenous people and their individual nations have always had to fight various battles since 1492. Whether it was for survival, land, sovereignty, water rights or to protect ourselves, fighting is in our DNA. A few years ago, a popular Indigenous meme featured a Native man, hands raised ready to fight, as if saying, “Let’s go then”—shortened to “Sko’den.” That willingness to fight, though we may be tired, though we may get beaten, but we’ll never stop battling, is the inspiration behind this artwork.

- Robert Martinez

Peter Boome is so smart, and his work is gorgeous. We are always happy when Peter participates in any of the work that we do, because he has a lot to say and share. He’s always very generous with those things. A lot of times, Peter will do work at his booth so that people can walk by and see his process. He has been with We Are The Seeds since the beginning, and I appreciate working with him. His rattles and carvings are life-affirming. And he’s so smart, did I already say this? He’s one person that the more you talk to him, and the deeper and deeper you get, you realize that there’s so much more. This is the truth with all artists, but a lot of times artists don’t talk about their other lives, and Peter is very open about it. It’s really fascinating to hear about his life outside of his artwork.

- Tailinh Agoyo

Seeds is a collection of Indigenous artists and creatives who are creating a new space for contemporary Indigenous arts. This space is warm and welcoming while being creative and modern, reflecting the complexities of modern Indigenous existence.

I was there at the Railyard when it first started up and remember thinking it was such a visionary idea and great for someone like me who drives down to Santa Fe from the Seattle area. Indian Market requires entries for competition to be entered on Wednesday, even though Market itself doesn't start until Saturday. That's three extra days of hotel and other expenses for a traveling artist. I was thrilled that SEEDS was available two of those days, it meant I could be selling for two additional days and it also meant I had a booth to work out of to add the finishing touches on works in progress. 

That first year was amazingly successful. The thing I remember most was how modern many of the creatives are. I'm not the most modern artist, I still do everything by hand and I still base my work on a specific design tradition, so for me it was good to see Indigenous peoples embracing a path forward and living in a space where we aren't often seen or recognized. That was good, and got me thinking which of course is usually a good thing.

- Peter Boome

Last year, when we had to shut down so many of our plans and our programs, it really came to light just how special our Seeds community is. We launched a program called Gathering Seeds 2.0, which was a series of videos featuring seven artists. Zachariah Julian produced it. Violet Elliot was part of this series, and she shared with us some of her homelands and how she does her work. It was very generous and giving, and it really was incredible to watch. This video is available on Youtube. 

Violet has participated in Seeds before. We’ve seen her beautiful work, but the opportunity to be taken to her homelands and her home, and to be a part of that and be welcomed there through video and her voice, was exceptional. While last year was very difficult, our being able to be responsive and pivot in a creative way created a whole new way of interacting with our Seeds artists. It was much more intimate, and for that I am grateful.

- Tailinh Agoyo

Seeds is a grand opportunity to come together as artists and painters and jewelry makers and weavers like myself. It feels like a celebration of Indigenous artists, and it is a very exciting event. At Seeds, I was able to meet and weave alongside other weavers. I made a connection with an Apache weaver, who was excited about my son being a weaver. Her granddaughter was a jewelry maker.

I have been weaving since my son, Tyrone, was two years old. I used to just take him with me while learning to weave. We gather natural materials together as a family. Weaving is about being connected to the land, to the cedar trees and other natural materials. We are related to these natural materials, and we highly value them. I am so proud of my son, as he holds the values of connection and respect. Our weaving is a bonus: it is a passion of mine, and Tyrone naturally gravitates to it. Now we share a passion for weaving.

- Violet Elliot

David Farnham comes from very far away, and he always makes it a point to be at We Are The Seeds. A lot of times he’s traveling on his own, and the effort that it takes to participate, and the fact that he still does, means a lot to me. I’m really grateful that he is able to share that level of work, and that people can see the craftsmanship and can learn something from him.

David just is so generous and caring, and shares his support for us in this way that I can’t really explain. I always feel so cared for when he’s around, or when I’m working with him. I just feel the kindness that he gives off and that he lends to our work. David is a person who is incredibly gifted. His work is beautiful, and different than a lot of work that we see nowadays. David has been a very important part of We Are The Seeds because he comes from very far away, and he always makes it a point to be at Seeds.

- Tailinh Agoyo

The seeds are planted and are growing. I hope to be a part of this movement. I have met some wonderful people, people I would have never met if I hadn't been there at the Seeds show.

In my process, a lot of times I know what I'm going to make even before I get the rock or antlers. Other times while I'm cleaning up rock or antler to get it ready to carve, things will come to me and that's what happens. The Dance depicts the mating ritual of the bald eagle, falling from the sky as they are locked together. I created this piece in the spring of 2020, the year of Covid. The soapstone piece is carved from a nice piece of Brazilian soapstone. The piece with 2 deer antlers represents how eagles are mates for life. Together Forever is its title.

- Dave Farnham

In addition to being an artist, Dawn is the founder and director of Northeast Indigenous Arts Alliance, an organization that advocates for Native people who live and work in the Northeast. It’s a really important organization, and one to look out for. 

I love that Dawn has been so active and interactive with us at We Are The Seeds. Dawn was the facilitator of our Youth Art Creation Station the first year of Seeds, and it was so much fun. Her talents and her kindness and generosity really brought life and joy to everything we were doing that year. Most recently, Dawn facilitated an activity at We Are The Seeds Philadelphia—a corn husk doll making workshop. It was packed the whole time, and the outcome of what they made was extraordinarily special. 

Dawn and I are very close, and I just think she’s phenomenal. She has this beauty and groundedness that you can see in her work. She works so much in food sovereignty and the revitalization of traditions and cultures and language. She’s so well-rounded and versed in so many things that I’m just in awe of her. She comes to Seeds all the way from Rhode Island, and participates and helps to lift us up not only at the events but behind-the-scenes. She’s a gift to We Are The Seeds, and really to anyone who meets her.

- Tailinh Agoyo

Seeds is truly the seed that many of us don't even realize that we need. It creates a space where creativity can blossom, old friends reconnect and new friendships are formed. It’s always a high-energy space rooted in love. 

Seeds 2017 was my first time participating at a national market. At Seeds, I was asked to collaborate on one of the ACONAV dresses for their fashion show. I had mentioned that I wished I could paint a dress, and it came true! It’s the piece in this show titled Her Empowerment- Our Legacy. The gown was a bigger project than I could finish in a weekend, so I returned home with it and fully finished painting the skirt for the Heard Indian Market & Fair 2019, where it walked in that show. Two months later it walked in the Abbe Museum Indian Market show as well. This gown has been seen in several fashion shows and exhibits since then. 

Because of Seeds, I was also invited to participate in a show at the Autry Museum of the American West. That invitation was extremely encouraging, making the 2017 Seeds one I will never forget!

- Dawn Spears

Loren and his wife Valentina (Navajo Nation) are the powerhouses behind ACONAV. The first year of We Are The Seeds, I approached Loren to see if he would be interested in collaborating on a fashion event. Together, we arrived at this incredible concept of creating blank designs that artists who were showing at Seeds would embellish throughout the day. Then models would wear these embellished garments down the runway the following day. It was such an incredible idea, and it really took off. Beautiful things came out of it.

There are two pieces in the exhibit from this project. Loren’s vision for the garments and his construction were as impeccable as ever. It is always a pleasure to work with the ACONAV team. I hold them in the highest regard. I don’t know many people who work harder than they do, or who are as kind and generous and giving. They really want to work together and collaborate on a vision. We’ve worked together several years for Seeds, and I hope we’ll continue to do so. They are very much a part of the success of We Are The Seeds, and they always have the coolest ideas.

- Tailinh Agoyo

Seeds is a celebration of Indigenous creativity. It’s an opportunity for rising talents to “plant” themselves into the Indigenous art scene. It’s a great experience for all to learn and understand the ins and outs as an artist, the chance to grow and progress one’s talents. Seeds is all-inclusive, an exploration of the possibilities of an Indigenous art community working in cohesion, growing as one.

One of the most memorable things that has happened to me because of Seeds was the discovery of my fashions by Disney Imagineers, which led to a collaboration to design a one-of-a-kind dress for display at Epcot Center. I almost still can’t believe it happened, but I feel it all happened at the right time. The curatorial team found me and in the months to follow, and I was brought on as a featured artist for the exhibition Creating Traditions: Change and Innovation in Native American Art with my dress as the centerpiece. In the last three seasons with Seeds, I’ve been honored to carry on and organize the fashion element to the entertainment lineup.

The collaborative designs we did at Seeds taught me to trust my fellow artists, to experience the freedom of creativity with everyone. Creativity has no limits and I loved seeing the joy of the artists’ faces in putting their signature touch on each garment we created. It was an even greater feeling to share that joy with everyone else onstage!

- Loren Aaragon (ACONAV)

I love Roy Tenorio’s story because he started making jewelry later on in his life. This is his passion now, and he travels all over and shows his work. He’s really an ambassador for Native artists. His energy is just gorgeous, he lights up a room. He will always bring a smile to your face, he’ll always make you laugh and his hugs are the best. Every time someone brings up Roy Tenorio, my hand goes to my heart. He is the best, and he feels like family.

- Tailinh Agoyo

Seeds helps Indigenous artisans. It has exposed my art and opened doors to the public. Never stop the beauty of creating art, our culture-inspired minds open up the art world.

- Roy Tenorio

I host a podcast called Rise and Thrive. Getting ready for this show at form & concept, we’ve been interviewing artists that will be featured. I was really lucky to be able to interview Rykelle Kemp last week. Not only is her work beautiful, it stands out from anything that you’ve ever seen. She has her own style, she is self-taught, her work is clean and streamlined and sophisticated. It is gorgeous and it’s smart. It represents her beautifully. 

Rykelle is a young woman with incredible drive and vision. She has so much clarity for her life and her work. She’s grounded in family and community. I loved my conversation with her, and I felt like we could’ve talked for hours.There were so many things we had in common as daughters of artists, and daughters of artists who have traveled a lot. It’s influenced how we live our lives. It was a lot of fun, and we cracked up a lot too.

- Tailinh Agoyo

Seeds is a community of Indigenous artists and leaders who love to see one another thrive and grow. More than just an organization, Seeds could be considered a family of cousins, uncles, aunties and elders that you can learn from, no matter which tribal community you are from. To me, Seeds represents resilience, because we are still here, representing our Indigenous nations through our art and culture. Having conversations with the founders and all the artists of the Seeds community has been nothing but inspiring. We are all striving to build a better future for Indigenous artists to have a VOICE and better opportunities!

Some advice that I’d give to emerging artists: take your time, be mindful of ideas, don’t rush to do things. Mistakes happen, it’s not the end of the world, learn from them. Talk to as many artists/business owners as you can. The most important thing is to be good to yourself, allow yourself a day off to relax and reflect. Take good pictures of your work: this helps to document your designs and apply for shows and grants. Good pictures help sell your work and you’ll be able to look back and see how much you’ve grown.

- Rykelle Kemp

Tchin is my father, and he has given We Are The Seeds his unconditional support from day one, particularly when we started in Philadelphia. He shows his work and performs at Seeds in Santa Fe, and that is wonderful. He’ll tell stories, play the flute and tell a joke or two. However, Philadelphia is a different place with different needs from what Santa Fe requires. A lot of people in the Northeast aren’t even sure that we actually exist as Native people, so we’re starting at ground-level education. It’s a lot of doing programs for very little money and volunteering just to get our name out here, because we don’t have the brand recognition that we have in Santa Fe. 

Tchin was right there with me. Anything I asked him to do: can you go do a school assembly, can you do a virtual school visit, can you do a workshop for 90 people? One time I asked him to do a pottery workshop at the last minute, so he ran to the grocery store looking for clay and ended up finding Play-Doh. He made it work. Tchin is always there because he believes in what we’re doing and because he loves me.

My dad is an educator, and an incredible storyteller and performer and culture bearer. He brings joy, and he’s also very forward. He will say how it is, but he also brings light and is very focused on celebrating the joy of being Indigenous. That was a big lesson that I’ve learned from him in my work. It’s easy to fall into a lot of struggle or challenge or negativity, but there’s a way to also focus on joy. That’s what we choose to do at Seeds.

- Tailinh Agoyo

To me, We Are the Seeds represents healing because it’s about community connection and bringing an awareness of Indigenous peoples that is often missing in the wider population. Seeds has connected me with organizations and people that were new to me and that’s been great. Since working with Seeds, I’ve had the opportunity to share my work and perform in incredible spaces. Importantly, I’ve been compensated for my work, supporting my career as a professional artist and performer. 

It is no surprise to me that Tailinh is doing this phenomenal work. Traveling with me from a very young age, she was immersed in the art world, and because of that has a unique perspective and drive. The ways Seeds offers artists a platform to express themselves freely is one of the reasons why I think her work stands out. Behind the scenes, Tailinh is fiercely protective of those she works with, making sure their labor is valued and that they are treated respectfully. I’m watching Seeds mature into a strong and sustainable organization and I’m very proud. The future is bright and I am looking forward to seeing what beautiful things are on the horizon.

- Tchin

Peggy Fontenot is fierce, and has incredible life experience and stories that I’ve only begun to scratch the surface of. I have a lot of respect for Peggy. Every year, when I see how she advocates for Native people and her activism, whether it’s through her artwork or otherwise, I just think, “She’s so brave.” I’m grateful for her, and for her voice, and that she’s willing to make a stand for what’s right. I know that sometimes things are not easy, and I’ve had personal experience and difficulty in my life. I don’t know that I could be as courageous as Peggy, to be as public as she is about the issues that she faces. But that’s what makes her art powerful and important and valuable. I am so overwhelmed by the pieces that she has in the show. I’m excited to learn more about them and what they mean to her. I am grateful that she has found a place at We Are The Seeds.

- Tailinh Agoyo

We Are The Seeds and its community are artists, activists and educators. Seeds is inclusive. They accept not only established artists, but young, upcoming contemporary artists. Unlike some other venues, they accept not only artists who are members of federal tribes, but those from state-recognized tribes, and those that are certified by a tribe, which is in accordance with the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990.

Seeds provided me a venue, whether or not I participated in Indian Market, and especially when I was not accepted into Indian Market. They have provided me a home, and a community, as well as a venue to continue to exhibit my work and educate the public about issues within Indian Country.

Although activism has come at a high price for me personally, I am not an individual who can idly sit by. It's important to bring awareness to issues that others might not be familiar with, whether the individuals are Native or non-Native, and to engage them in constructive conversations. In addition, I feel it's my responsibility to provide a voice for those who don't necessarily have one.

- Peggy Fontenot

Galen LaRoche is an incredible photographer who captures images from his life and experiences. I really appreciate him bringing those images to Santa Fe, so that he can tell his stories, because they’re really important. He’s a wonderful person, and I remember at the beginning of quarantine, We Are The Seeds had this Zoom happy hour so that we could all chat together. Maybe about five or six artists showed up, because everybody was scrambling and trying to figure out life. Galen was there, and it was so nice to connect outside of the working environment where we’re always so busy. It was so great, and I appreciate him showing up. It was a nice feeling during a time when everything was so uncertain. We offered each other support.

- Tailinh Agoyo

Seeds is a group of outstanding artists coming together to share their amazingly positive attitude in the presentation of their art. I loved experiencing the awe-inspiring diversity of the arts at Seeds, and getting to know Indigenous artists from all over the country. I made new friends and reconnected with old friends.

My photography practice is all about being close to Unci Maka-Mother Earth, and being able to bring those emotions to the people, to the community. I always make sure that my images are not staged.

- Galen LaRoche

I’ve known Gordell Wright for many, many years. Gordell specializes in wampum work, which is reflective of East Coast traditions. It’s really important for me as an East Coast Native person to make sure that East Coast folks are represented at Seeds in Santa Fe. Gordell is an incredible artist, the work he does is so intricate and detailed, and it’s not easy. He has really interesting ideas and vision, and is so creative in his work with wampum. He’s such a nice person, and it always feels wonderful and familiar to see him at Seeds. He reminds me of home.

- Tailinh Agoyo

Seeds to me is a great organization that helps and promotes Native art and artists. It’s like a family feeling. Seeds has allowed me to meet other great artists from around the country and form friendships. Seeds allows me to educate people on my work with wampum and helped expand my work in the Southwest region.

The significance of wampum in my culture and people is great. It was and is still used in a variety of ways: as gifts, to honor someone, as personal adornment, and most importantly in the crafting of wampum belts. These belts are a documentation of historical events, treaties, ceremonies and agreements, to name a few. The many aspects of how wampum is used allows me to also be creative in those same ways. I can make jewelry for gifts and sale and still use wampum in a traditional way when it is appropriate such as in ceremonies.

- Gordell Wright

I met Gino Antonio for the first time when I was at another organization, and his son Atsatsa received a youth fellowship. Gino does incredible work—not just his metal work, but also in the community. He runs an organization called Pollen Circles that supports and advocates for Indigenous youth and teaches them skills. He’s just really involved and invested in making sure that the youth have a road forward. Gino’s family is lovely, and it’s always nice to have them participate and be part of the collective community that we have here at Seeds.

- Tailinh Agoyo

Seeds is an opportunity. It's a crossroads to share and teach. It gives Native artists and educators a chance to show and share skills that stems from our Native roots to the Western world.

When I first got accepted into the Seeds show, it gave me a chance to make some silverwork with stones that I wanted to be different from the norm. My pieces started to get some attention and people shared their admiration for the organic qualities the work possessed. If the silver piece had some stonework in it, the stones and how they were arranged enhanced the ideas put into each piece. I took chances with silver and stones, and the gamble has benefited my life with new friends and more opportunities, and it is growing. I like to think that my progress as an artist is a good representation of how I am a father, a husband, a teacher, and someone doing their best to keep a deep connection to my ancestors, making my grandparents happy.

Intergenerational teaching helps with confidence, with identity and with a healthy outlook towards life. These intergenerational interactions that resonate in positivity gives one a voice and healthy avenues to express it. Parents, mentors, and teachers make a big difference with discipline, showing, and praising when an opportunity presents itself. I think this type of energy is needed in this time of uncertainty and craziness we are now experiencing. Identity will grow and mold itself from good and bad experiences that will come. Identifying with your history and Carrying yourself with  positive confidence really creates an atmosphere that a situation is do-able when things do not look like it will have a good outcome. No matter the outcome, a healthier outlook into any situation will help create solutions and the ability to make it through.

- Gino Antonio

Margaret Jacobs has been supportive of We Are The Seeds in every way. Our t-shirt design in 2018 was based on one of Margaret’s sculptural pieces. Her work stands out, it’s thoughtful. It’s different than anything I’ve ever seen. It’s meaningful. I feel like she has very delicate pieces of jewelry, but I also feel like it’s very sculptural, and those pieces could stand alone in a gallery as art. Her work is a lot of fun, with the colors that she uses. Her technique is really interesting.

- Tailinh Agoyo

I would describe Seeds as an artist-centric Indigenous arts and culture organization focused on promoting authentic and diverse Indigenous voices. Because of this focus, they have created a beautiful community centered around kinship and kindness. For me, Seeds has always been about connection and community. Because of the intimate scale of the show and the focus on community, I have been able to create meaningful relationships with other like-minded artists as well as spend significant one-on-one time with museum and gallery professionals.

My work explores raw material transformation, themes of interconnected life cycles of loss and growth, and narrative so while the visual language of each series may be different, the ideas and intent within the work are the same.

- Margaret Jacobs

LaKota Scott is amazing. She’s an artist, and a doctor! What first caught my eye with LaKota’s work were the wearable, wire metal baskets that she makes. They’re so beautiful. I really appreciate everything LaKota brings to We Are The Seeds--her knowledge and her studies and her work. The most recent year, LaKota brought her auntie, who makes skirts. It started to become a family affair, and that’s exactly what we love. I’m really happy LaKota is part of this exhibit, because I know she’s super busy with her practice and all of this other stuff.

I love this because with every single one of these artists that are on this list, I could tell you not just about their work but about the phenomenal things they do beyond their work. These are all just incredible people. We’re honored to know them and call them our community. Sometimes I think that life is so difficult or challenging, and I see a lot of negativity. Then when I’m going through this list and talking about these folks who have been very much a part of our lives over the years, it’s nice to know and acknowledge and remember that.

- Tailinh Agoyo

Kristin Gentry was our t-shirt and merchandise designer in 2019. She’s such a matriarch, her work is very aligned with the divine feminine. There’s something about her work that just feels like earth and nature and love and warmth and motherhood and connectedness and belonging. She’s so creative and has a lot of amazing ideas and lifts people. It all is intertwined in her work. 

I really appreciate that a lot of her work is inspired by who she is and what her traditions are, but it’s not what people imagine necessarily when they think of Indigenous work. Then she’ll explain it to you, and she’ll say, “This is why my work is who I am and where I’m from and who my people are.” That’s what I love. She’s breaking down those barriers and giving people different perspectives on what these traditional, old-fashioned expectations are.

- Tailinh Agoyo

Joseph Sanchez always draws a lot of visitors to We Are The Seeds. I love meeting his friends and family! He just has this magnetic power, and it really comes across in his work too. Seeds has a community dinner and social each year, and he brings his people to that. One time the band Smokestack Lightning was playing, and I remember Joseph and his crew dancing out there. We were all out on the lawn in the Railyard, dancing and having a blast and being in the present. I love that he carries that essence of peace and joy.

- Tailinh Agoyo

Colleen Farwell was my college roommate, Dartmouth College, 1988. The RA said, “A girl from Brooklyn and a girl from Hysham, Montana are roommates? That is not gonna go well!” Here we are 30 years later, doing this thing. Colleen has been an absolute incredible advocate and supporter of We Are The Seeds, in every way. It has been so wonderful to be able to highlight her work in our Seeds community as well. She recently wrote a book called I Will Carry You, which I helped to produce. 

One of the wonderful things that we did in 2019 was collaborate with Loren Aragon of ACONAV for the fashion show. We took images from Colleen’s book, and Loren created fabric and distributed it to several designers to make garments based on the book. So part of the fashion show was an I Will Carry You collection, and the book just came alive. To see models, kids, wearing these clothes and walking on the stage with these beautiful garments that reflect this gorgeous book about motherhood and the bond you have with your child was really significant. That was a very, very special fashion show.

Colleen has her own business. She’s an incredible writer, and this book that she’s created is a vision that she’s had for a very long time. One of the wonderful things about this book is that it incorporates the work of six Native artists. Their work was interpreted into the I Will Carry You world, and their work is mentioned in the book. That was a really exciting concept and collaboration, so you’re reading this children’s book and you’re seeing things that may be familiar to you, but you may or may not know why. The book elevates Native artists in so many ways. It was such a beautiful idea, and then it just made perfect sense for Seeds.

- Tailinh Agoyo