I'm not sure if you remember me.

We talked and shared stories...

Like you, I am Comanche--

and a hybrid...

Unlike you, I was not raised with any knowledge

of my culture.

Something that has always made me feel

displaced.

I am so happy to have met you...

even though it was very brief.

It was so validating...

My life has oscillated between moments of belonging

and being and outsider...

I value your insights and stories...

being raised as Comanche...

how the area you lived in has effected your identity.

The ways you translated the experience

into a visual language

are so engaging

and immersive.

...innocuous imagery

you wove it into a dialogue about

contemporary Native American identity.

...the connections that were overlooked.

Isn't that what we do as artists?

Make the connections others don't see.

It's a very special vocation,

to be an artist.

I sometimes feel we are here to help people

understand the world around them...

using a visual language.

We mirror the hidden secrets of nature

and humanity...

magnify,

and reflect them...

so they can be seen in greater detail.

A pretty romantic view!

But it's honest.

You have a wonderful gift.

I admire you

and the wonderful work you do.

#52Letters