Gerald Cournoyer is an Oglala Lakota artist from Marty, South Dakota, Gerald is the art director at Bacone College in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Following in the Northern Plains Indian art traditions of Oscar Howe (Yanktonai Dakota) and Fritz Scholder (Luiseño), Gerald has blended his cultural and artistic backgrounds to connect with his students throughout his career.
Joe Williams hosts the inaugural episode of ‘Five Plain Questions’, a podcast dedicated to exploring the voices of Native American artists and cultural figures. The episode features an enlightening conversation with Gerald Cournoyer, a multifaceted artist and educator with an impressive academic background, including five degrees that span from an associate to multiple master’s degrees. Cournoyer shares his personal journey, reflecting on his roots in the Oglala Lakota community, his formative experiences at Marty Indian School, and his service in the United States Marine Corps. His story is not only about artistic ambition but also about the quest for identity and cultural preservation through art.
Throughout the dialogue, Cournoyer articulates a vision for Native American art that transcends traditional representations. He emphasizes the importance of intellectualism in art, advocating for a deeper engagement with history and culture over mere commercial success. This perspective is informed by his experiences at various educational institutions, including the Institute of American Indian Arts and the University of Oklahoma, where he honed his craft while grappling with the challenges faced by Indigenous artists in a contemporary context. The conversation delves into the evolution of Native American art, touching on historical influences and the role of mentorship in nurturing the next generation of artists. Cournoyer’s reflections illuminate the complexities of cultural representation and the responsibility of artists to tell their stories authentically.
As the episode unfolds, listeners are treated to Cournoyer’s insights on the dynamic relationship between art and community. He recounts his work at the Oscar Howe Summer Art Institute, where he and Joe Williams mentored aspiring artists, fostering a sense of pride and identity through creative expression. Cournoyer’s narrative is infused with a sense of purpose, as he articulates his commitment to preserving Native American culture through art while also adapting to the changing landscape of the art world. This episode is a powerful testament to the resilience of Native artists and the vital role they play in advocating for their communities, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersections of culture, art, and identity.
