Meet the Artist

Nukngwaqatsi (Good Life)

Patty Talahongva, journalist

“I was so pleased to be asked to participate and given a chance to raise funds and awareness about breast cancer. It is preventable only if it’s caught in time.  I have participated in the local Susan G. Komen walk with friends and I’ve reported on stories about breast cancer among the American Indian population. 

I cannot draw or paint worth a dime so I asked my young Chickasaw friend, Peter Parr, to help me with the mesa background. I am Hopi and I wanted my bra to portray my heritage and also my passion: journalism. I explained to Peter what I wanted and he worked his magic creating the beautiful mesa scene. I thank him greatly for his wonderful artistry!

I selected Hopi words that reflect good health and good life. I also included my clan symbol for rain, something we all need to live. The three half-round shapes symbolize the clouds with the lightning strikes above and the drops of rain coming down. Water is the giver of life and we must respect all life and the power of water as well.  

As many breast cancer survivors will tell you, it’s not just good physical health you need to be concerned about; it’s also good mental health. Attitude plays a big role in being healthy. We can all be like the water…gentle as soft rain drops, strong as the waters that carved the Grand Canyon or fierce as a tidal wave. The choice is within each of us.”

Words on the bra mean:

Haalayi: To be happy 
Lomaqatsi:  Good Health 
Qahinta:  Without illness 
Nami'nangwa:  Be good to yourself 
Qalaptsina:  To cure/heal something 

You can contact the artist on Witespider@aol.com

 

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