Why I paint American Indians

I recently was asked this question and thought you may be wondering the same:

"I'm not going to ask the usual questions, about photos, models ect. But why Indians?"

Good question "Why Indians?" I think it's because of where and when I was raised.

I grew up in Oklahoma, Land of the Red man. I lived there most of my life until I moved to New Mexico. So American Indians are familiar to me.

I also grew up when television was dominated by Cowboys and Indians. American Indians are nostalgic for me.

I'm also of Cherokee heritage so American Indians are family to me.