Healing through Native Creativity: Artist Conversation with Mark and Shannon Stevens

Object Details

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156

Video Title

Healing through Native Creativity: Artist Conversation with Mark and Shannon Stevens

Description

Mark Stevens (Laguna Pueblo) Jewelry Mark Stevens is the son of David Stevens and Norma Thomas-Stevens. Mark was born and raised in southern California, along with his older brother and two sisters, and moved home in 1996 to Laguna Pueblo in New Mexico where he is an enrolled tribal member. In 2006, Mark took a basic silversmithing class in Santa Fe, NM. Afterwards, he was taught by local silversmiths around Laguna Pueblo and has been refining his technique ever since. Mark participates in numerous art shows across the country, including the Santa Fe Indian Market, Heard Indian Market, Eiteljorg Indian Market, and the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian Native Art Market. Mark is married to Shannon Carr-Stevens (Laguna/Hopi) and they have one son, Marcus Tyler, who loves drumming, playing guitar, and hockey. Mark enthusiastically supports his wife, Shannon, and her jewelry and photography businesses. Shannon Stevens (Laguna Pueblo/Hopi) Photography/Jewelry “When I was in the 7th grade, my parents bought me a Canon AE-1 Program 35mm camera. I'm not sure what they were thinking giving such a serious camera to a kid, but I carried that camera around with me constantly. All my allowance went to buying film and developing photos. I look back now and am so thankful because I was able to capture tons of memories growing up. After high school, I attended the University of New Mexico and took basic photography courses. Developing my own photos in the darkroom was the best! But after college, family and work took priority in my life. There were still occasions I would break out my camera, but they were few and far between. About four years ago, I found myself in a casual conversation about photography with a coworker. That conversation jarred me and made me realize how much I missed taking photos. It was like waking up after a deep sleep. Now I can't get enough! Photography is my absolute passion and brings me tremendous joy. This is my calling, no question. I'm so thankful for all the opportunities I've been given in the last few years, and I look forward to all the BEAUTIFUL people I'm going to photograph.” —Shannon Stevens December 4–6, 2020, the museum was pleased to present selected artists from past Native Art Markets to share stories about their art and latest creations. Through the beauty and solemnity of their creative pieces, these artists encourage us all to look forward to a future of good health and social justice.

Video Duration

21 min 12 sec

YouTube Keywords

Native American Indian Museum Smithsonian "Indigenous Peoples" "Smithsonian Institution" "Smithsonian NMAI" "National Museum of the American Indian"

Data Source

National Museum of the American Indian

YouTube Channel

SmithsonianNMAI

Uploaded

2021-08-11T20:06:43.000Z

Creator

National Museum of the American Indian

Type

Conversations and talks

YouTube Videos

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SmithsonianNMAI

YouTube Category

Education

Topic

Native Americans;American Indians

Record ID

yt_J8I8CAWAXnk

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