“You get good medicine from telling these stories.”
Really like my work? Want to support an artist of color? You can buy me a coffee!
Osiyo. My name is Jonni, and I am a professional liar.
The translation of the word “storyteller” in Cherokee is “someone who lies.” One of my favorite pieces is “The Treachery of Images”, by the French artist Rene Magritte, is also a play on how we perceive images—things that are not truly there. But these lies carry weight and as an artist and storyteller, I consider myself lucky that I am allowed to share with you.
I am a graphic designer, illustrator, and enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. While I have always been drawing (thank you memere for showing me how to hold a pencil at 3), since I was young I’ve always been drawn to sharing stories. But I am introvert at heart and there are still days talking is terrifying.
Luckily, thanks to a friend, I began sharing prints of some of my work at the Native Youth Center in Portland, OR. As Cherokee culture is not native to the Pacific Northwest, I spent a lot of time answering questions and telling stories behind the art. With time, it became easier to speak with people. Now I look forward to shows where I can personally share the stories with you as they were shared with me. One friend even remarked, “You light up. You get good medicine from telling these stories.”
Now, I hope I get to lie to you. I want to share my heritage with others and combat the lack of Native representation we’ve historically seen in media. Shows such as Rutherford Falls and Reservation Dogs are turning the tides, but we have a long way to go.
I want these stories to travel. Too many people don’t know the history of this land or the people who were its first stewards. I do it for my relations that weren’t allowed to speak their language or tell their own stories. I do this for my family who told me these tales and for the feeling of awe they inspired me. I do this for every Native kid who doesn’t get to see themselves in cartoons or movies.
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Jonni resides in Portland, OR along with her partner and resident land shark/rescue dog, Inola.