ABOUT THE ARTIST
Born and raised in Switzerland, I always loved to draw and paint although I had no formal schooling in
art. Fascinated with color, I began to paint the wonderful faces with the vivid colored decorations of
traditional Masai and Samburu people.
After moving to Santa Fe, New Mexico, the
vibrant colors andlandscape of the Southwest immediately captured my imagination, as it has so
many other artists before me. I learned much about the history and cultures of
the Native Americans of this and other areas and became especially intrigued
with the powwow dances. I am captivated by the dignity and pride in the dancer's
faces and their passion and determination to keep the faith and tradition of their ancestors alive.
I would like my work to be a testimony to these African and
Native American
people and for others to learn about and enjoy the beauty of their
cultures and traditions.
"The magic that happens at a Powwow as the dancers proudly step
forward to express theirpersonal and tribal traditions through this dance
makes my heart soar with awe and delight.
The beat of the drums and songs reverberate in my soul like an ancient heartbeat as the dancers
whirl in a kaleidoscope of colors in their beaded and feathered ceremonial wear." _
Irene Campos
ABOUT POWWOW DANCING
The Powwow was origianlly an event to celebrate the seasonal renewal of life, bringing people
together to sing, dance, renew old friendships and form new ones. As it is practiced today,
it draws together diverse elements of the Native American community.
Powows are very much part of the lives of many Native Americans as an opportunity to pass
on stories, values, beliefs to their children and compete for prizes in dance categories based on age,
dancing style and regalia. The music and dance styles associated with the powwow are generally
assumed to have stemmed from the 19th century war dance complex of the Plains Indians.
The variety of regalia (never referred to as "costumes") is fashioned by the dancers and/or their
families and are the expressions of a dancer's personal and tribal history. Although all tribes have
their own dance styles and types of outfits, many adopt regalia styles and accessories of other tribes,
thereby learning much about the traditions of others.
TO DANCE IS TO LIVE!
