By Media Relations Department
Chickasaw Nation Media Relations Office
Cover of They Know Who They Are.
Renowned Chickasaw artist Mike Larsen, and his wife, Martha, will be signing copies of They Know Who They Are from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 at the Oklahoma History Center.
This new release from the Chickasaw Press contains 24 paintings of Chickasaw elders by Larsen, along with a narrative written by Mrs. Larsen.
They Know Who They Are is the culmination of more than four years of interviewing, sketching and painting Chickasaw elders.
A Nov. 2007 through March 2008 art exhibit at the Oklahoma History Center featured the paintings, originally commissioned by the Chickasaw Nation in 2004.
Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby praised the work at the exhibit opening.
"Mr. Larsen did a tremendous job of capturing the strength of character, intense spirituality, superb sense of humor and other honorable characteristics of these unique individuals," said Gov. Anoatubby.
Accompanied by his wife, who also photographed the subjects, Mr. Larsen began not only a process for painting the series, but also a personal journey.
The elders' warm acceptance made the Larsens feel at home as they listened and learned what it means to be Chickasaw – what it means to "know who you are."
In the Larsen studio, carefully rendered sketches progressed from paper to canvas to produce 24 remarkable paintings. Mrs. Larsen has written a richly detailed narrative of each of the elder's interviews, which documents their cultural beliefs, experiences and history.
They Know Who They Are is available through Chickasaw Press online (http://www.chickasawpress.com/ ) and the University of Oklahoma Press.
About the Authors:
Mr. Larsen grew up in farming communities in Oklahoma and Texas. He was commissioned by the State of Oklahoma to paint a 26-foot mural in the capital rotunda of five internationally prominent ballet dancers, all born in Oklahoma and all Native American.
In addition to numerous awards, in December 2006, Mr. Larsen was named "Oklahoman of the Year" by the official state magazine, Oklahoma Today.
Mrs. Larsen grew up in small towns connected to the work of her father. From an early age, she showed an aptitude for art, which later led her to meet her husband. Currently, in addition to photography and writing, Mrs. Larsen handles the business affairs of Larsen Studios.
For additional information about the event, please contact Mike Tippit of the Oklahoma History Center at (405) 522-5248.
About Chickasaw Press:
The Chickasaw Press is a Chickasaw Nation publishing company that brings Chickasaw history and culture to the reading public.
For more information, contact Jeannie Barbour, Chickasaw Press Director, 580-436-2603.
