382 - Austin Kasto and Romelle

My name is Austin Dubray Kasto. My interest in traditional art started when I was a child. I would see my dad in his grass dance outfit with his beautiful beadwork, and my grandmother in her regalia with her long heavy breastplate. I knew I wanted to learn to create these things. My motivation began when I had children. With my grandparents and dad gone, I knew I would be the one teaching my children this way of life. With that, I create as much as I can now using our ancestors' stories and photos as inspiration for my own artwork. My piece Tiwahe has a personal story that it entails. The bottom floral represents Ina or mother. The two stems and other florals represent my children. The stars above the floral represent my grandparents and ate or dad, wichapo Oyate or Star Nation. The lines that run horizontally across are the trials and tribulations that me and my children have overcome and continuously grow through.