Artwork copyright Lillian Pitt. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Kalama Stick Indian, 1989

Lillian Pitt
(American | Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, born 1943)

Location: Mountain Way Elementary, Granite Falls

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Kalama Stick Indian is part of artist Lillian Pitt's body of hand-built ceramic masks. She uses an Anagama (wood) kiln to fire these masks, which creates unique ash and flame marks. The artist's Native American ancestry influences the imagery and subjects of her masks. These works are often named after historic Northwest tribes and pay respect to the natural world.

She notes that the Stick Indian is "derived from a figure in Plateau legend of mountain spirits or little people… They are said to whistle like daybirds at night. If you are lost in the woods, they can rescue you, if you are a good person, or add to your confusion to remain lost, if you are a bad person. It is important to remember the stories of your elders, since this is an old manner of teaching lessons for every society."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Granite Falls School District.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Northwest Native American artist Lillian Pitt (Warm Springs, Wasco, Yakama) creates masks, sculptures, jewelry, prints, public art, and more in a variety of materials including clay, bronze, and glass. Her art reflects and celebrates her Warm Springs, Yakama, and Wasco heritage. In Pitt's own words: “Everything I do, regardless of the medium, is directly related to honoring my ancestors and giving voice to the people, the environment and the animals. It’s all about maintaining a link with tradition, and about honoring the many contributions my ancestors have made to this world.” She was honored with a Governor’s Award of the Oregon Arts Commission in 1990.