“A flicker feather band, fragrant bay leaves, clam shell beads, the tan and brown hues of basketry plants—all represented in multiples of the sacred four—express an integration of the spiritual and physical aspects of life. To live in spiritual and physical balance in the same small area for thousands of years without feeling the need to go somewhere else, as my people did, requires restraint, respect, and knowledge of the ways of each animal and plant. As my mother taught me, and she, in turn, was taught, the plants, animals, birds—everything on this earth—they are our relatives, and we had better know how to act around them, or they’ll get after us.”

--Kathleen R. Smith, Mihilakawna (Dry Creek Pomo), Goat Rock Pomo, Yoletamal (Bodega Miwok), and Member, Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria

About the Artist:

Kathleen Rose Smith was born in Santa Rosa, California, February 12, 1939, the seventh child of Steven Smith, Jr. (Bodega Bay Miwok/Goat Rock Pomo) and Lucy Lozinto Smith’s (Dry Creek Pomo/Portuguese) nine children, and the first child of these two hard-working, loving individuals to be born not at home, but in a hospital. She grew up in and around the northern California agricultural community of Healdsburg. From early childhood on, she passionately loved drawing and painting, and never seriously considered having any occupation but that of an artist. While fulfilling that ambition, she’s also served as a Cultural Interpreter at Point Reyes National Seashore, Instructor of Native American Art at Sonoma State University, Archeological Field Technician, Foods Columnist for News from Native California, and cultural consultant and demonstrator.