Walter Tutsi Wai BigBee, Untitled
Walter Tutsi Wai BigBee
1958-
Toya Band, Comanche
Date
2009
Medium Specific
b/w digital photograph
Classification
Photograph
Dimensions
7 x 5 in. (17.8 x 12.7 cm)
Accession Number
2009.20.10.110
Credit
Gift of the Artist
Memo / Artist Statement
Tutsi Wai feels his photographic skills enable him to be a contemporary storyteller, modeled by the oral traditions and the ledger drawings of his ancestors. He hopes to contribute to a more accurate understanding of Native Americans and the gifts of Creation
It is important to note that although the artist is particularly interested in portraying contemporary Native America, exploring his traditional ancestry and sharing the beauty of nature, he will reach beyond these themes. The artist believes that "Perceptions of Native American Art must continue to evolve beyond established stereotypes". In this ever-changing world Tutsi Wai embraces all forms of traditional values as well as non-traditional venues to express his inspirations.
"Many wonderful opportunities and experiences have been bestowed upon me. It is through my art and teaching that I hope to share these beautiful gifts."(https://www.flickr.com/people/walterbigbee/, 2020)
*Included parts of his “about me” in the artist statement. However, he did write it in third person, and figured I should leave as is, correcting some grammatical consistency errors only. Detailed resume avail on LinkedIn
It is important to note that although the artist is particularly interested in portraying contemporary Native America, exploring his traditional ancestry and sharing the beauty of nature, he will reach beyond these themes. The artist believes that "Perceptions of Native American Art must continue to evolve beyond established stereotypes". In this ever-changing world Tutsi Wai embraces all forms of traditional values as well as non-traditional venues to express his inspirations.
"Many wonderful opportunities and experiences have been bestowed upon me. It is through my art and teaching that I hope to share these beautiful gifts."(https://www.flickr.com/people/walterbigbee/, 2020)
*Included parts of his “about me” in the artist statement. However, he did write it in third person, and figured I should leave as is, correcting some grammatical consistency errors only. Detailed resume avail on LinkedIn
Biography
Tutsi Wai “always searching” was born January 31, 1958 in Michigan. He spent part of his youth living in Africa, circling the globe and continues to travel. These experiences have contributed to his open-minded view of Creation. However, the strongest influence on his work comes from his maternal Numunuu (Comanche) heritage, and his concerns for our Natural Environment.
Tutsi Wai approaches his world with modesty and respect, which are important elements of his images. His meticulous attention to detail ensures the aesthetics envisioned at the onset of each project. A photographic education from the Rochester Institute of Technology, fourteen years in a commercial studio, various projects with the Smithsonian Institution, the Institute of American Indian Arts, Native American editorial assignments and his out-of-doors activities have given him the intuition to achieve his artistic goals. This background along with his patience has also enabled him to be a credible instructor and lecturer. He is an accomplished craftsman of traditional arts such as bows, drums, gourds, fans, beadwork, brain tanning and wardrobe. Most recent he has become a wrangler and of wild mustangs.
(https://www.flickr.com/people/walterbigbee/, 2020)
University of Maryland College Park – Art/Art Studies (1976 – 1977)
Rochester Institute of Technology – Studio Photography (1977 – 1979)
Tutsi Wai approaches his world with modesty and respect, which are important elements of his images. His meticulous attention to detail ensures the aesthetics envisioned at the onset of each project. A photographic education from the Rochester Institute of Technology, fourteen years in a commercial studio, various projects with the Smithsonian Institution, the Institute of American Indian Arts, Native American editorial assignments and his out-of-doors activities have given him the intuition to achieve his artistic goals. This background along with his patience has also enabled him to be a credible instructor and lecturer. He is an accomplished craftsman of traditional arts such as bows, drums, gourds, fans, beadwork, brain tanning and wardrobe. Most recent he has become a wrangler and of wild mustangs.
(https://www.flickr.com/people/walterbigbee/, 2020)
University of Maryland College Park – Art/Art Studies (1976 – 1977)
Rochester Institute of Technology – Studio Photography (1977 – 1979)
Date of Bio
Inscription
Signed Tutsiwai, 2009, in pen.