“Having grown up in the southwest, the desert's environment greatly influences me; this is evident in my work, reflecting the sensitivity and awareness found in this landscape. Sculpture allows me to tell stories and invoke emotions. I believe connection to one another is imperative to our well-being. I use animal figures as narrative devices, which may appear innocent at first. However, they address complex and challenging issues to communicate stories of connection, identity, and shared humanity from an Indigenous perspective.”  - J. N.