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Rochelle Kulei Explores Conflicting American Indian and Western Cultures
Excerpt from an article by Mick Eagleson in The Advocate, November 6, 2009.
As an art student five years ago, Rochelle Kulei realized something about herself. She is naturally slow-paced and yet lives in the city, which is very fast.
She is a Shoshone Indian living in a dominant culture’s world, two very different ways of living and being.
She said her inspiration comes from her native heritage, her family, and the beliefs in the culture of the Shoshone people. In an artist statement, Kulei said, "My ancestors’ stories and the experience they faced throughout their lives has made an impact in my personal life. Through my art, I hope to instill a piece of solitude in the audience’s mind of urban Natives and non-natives and hopefully they will want to change their lives by simply slowing down. I want them to feel the connection with their own souls and by doing so also be more mindful of others."
Kulei, a recent graduate of Marylhurst University, felt comfortable as a sculptor and decided to try a different art medium for her bachelor of fine arts thesis project. Out of this challenge came the creation of Native Symbols, her exhibit now showing at the Mt. Hood Community College Fireplace gallery.