Aural Martin

—Gallery Exhibits/Art Shows —

Cherokee beadwork:

Cherokee Artist Association Gallery, 202 East Fifth Street, Tahlequah OK 2010, 2009, 2006

Cherokee Heritage Center, 21192 South Keeler Drive Park Hill, OK 74451 2009, 2008, 2006

Awards

11th Homecoming Art Show & Sale, Park Hill, OK 2006

Pomona Valley Art Gallery, Pomona CA 2005

Victorville San Bernardino County Fairgrounds, Victorville CA 2005

Los Angeles County Fairgrounds, Pomona CA 2004

Pam Aural Martin

I am California born and grown. I am of Irish, English, Swedish and Cherokee heritage. I am in compliance with the 1990 Indian Arts and Crafts Act, and I am registered with the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma.

My Grandfather “Cotton” wanted me to learn more about our Cherokee heritage… He lived in Oklahoma, and shared some of his Cherokee hunting skills; he was very good at throwing a rock. Inspired by my dad’s fishing (Gigging) skills, (gigging is the Cherokee traditional way of fishing) and how he made friends with a black panther in Oklahoma. I grew up reading every nature book I could find about plants, animals, and learning how to prepare wild plant foods of California. I moved further north to Oregon in late 2005, and finally moved here in Washington in early 2007.

It all started in 2004 when she created her first Woodland Southeastern Native American bandolier bag from a magazine "Finding a Lost Art,”, article by Martha Berry, Bead & Button magazine, December 2003, pages 137–140. Martha's article on the Cherokee bandolier bags, and showing how to create a Cherokee Bandolier bag, I was inspired to create my own bandolier bags and help keep the Cherokee tradition.

I have been keeping the tradition of the Cherokee’s by beading jewelry for about 12 years and making bandolier bags for five years. I am an award winning bead artist, and I am a member of the Cherokee Artist Association. There are only a few of us that make these historic bags, the Cherokee’s quit making them after “The Trail of Tears.” Most of these bags from the 1800’s are in Museums or collected by collectors.

I am inspired by my experiences in Nature, and inspired by Historic- Native American Crafts. Each piece of art has a story behind it. I research each project before I start my Art. All my Native Moon Collections are original and no two alike. My Native American Artwork comes with an Authentic Certificate signed by me.

Fashion Accessory Designer/Artist statement

I am CEO of A. Martin & Company. I design and create my own tote bags with inspiration from nature creating bags by hand and machine. Native American and a dash of modern styling for the business executive and the urban traveler, whether you like outdoors or couture styling we have the right bag for your needs.