Richard D. York creates art as a form of celebration, healing, dialogue, and connection with others. Drawing inspiration from Cherokee traditional values and his western academic training, he aims to promote stewardship of the earth and honor his ancestors. By interfacing and contrasting traditional methods with modern aesthetics, Richard seeks to challenge notions of beauty and provoke dialogue about visuality and visibility. Embracing tradition in his artwork provides a strong foundation for embracing change moving forward.
Each artwork Richard creates serves as a provocative invitation for viewers to expand their minds and maintain mindfulness while exploring the mysteries within his pieces. His experimental mode of art-making prioritizes discovery over perfection, aiming to communicate feelings of extension beyond plans or formulas. Through the contrasting interfaces in his work, Richard highlights his native heritage and culture, promoting a deeper understanding of the multidimensionality of being a contemporary native person.
As a citizen of Cherokee Nation, Richard D. York resides with his family on the Cherokee Nation reservation in Sequoyah County. With a Master of Fine Arts in Visual Studies from PNCA, Richard has received recognition through scholarships, residencies, and exhibitions in the Portland and Vancouver areas. His work has been featured in prestigious exhibitions such as Art of the West at the High Desert Museum and the inaugural exhibition at the new Patricia Reser Center for the Arts. Recently, Richard was selected as one of five Native American artists to design themes for Google Chrome OS and Google Chrome Browser.
For those looking to bring a piece of Richard D. York's thought-provoking artwork into their homes or office spaces, prints are available for purchase. Celebrate life, honor ancestors, and engage in dialogue through the powerful visual storytelling of this talented artist.