From Challenges to Triumph: An Artist's Story with Elias Jade Not Afraid

Are you ready to be inspired? Join me as I sit down with Elias Jade Not Afraid, a self-taught bead and ledger artist of the Crow Nation. Our conversation traverses his challenging journey from battling addiction to honing his passion for art, all while growing up on the Crow Indian Reservation in Montana. We explore Elias’s transformative journey, along with his creative process, and the unique methods he employs to create his stunning art pieces.

Elias’s love for collecting antique ledger books and his discovery of lost beadwork techniques at the Epsilon Gala Women's Exhibit are stories you don’t want to miss. We discuss his meticulous process of replicating and preserving these techniques in his work, and his exhilarating first market experience that jump started his journey into the world of art. Elias’s collaboration with Crate & Barrel as well as his design winning a Wells Fargo design competition are testament to his commitment and creativity in art.

In a candid discussion, Elias opens up about his personal life, sharing his experiences as an openly gay Native American artist and the acceptance of two-spirit people within the Crow Nation. We touch upon the struggles he faced with homophobia in his upbringing, and the consequences of a lack of acceptance on the reservation. We also talk about his future plans, including the upcoming Santa Fe Indian Art Market, and his invaluable advice for anyone dealing with trauma. This heartfelt discussion with Elias Jade Not Afraid promises to be a blend of inspiration, creativity, and resilience. Don't miss it!