The Artistic Path of Joe Williams: Native American Storytelling

Ever wondered about the journey of a storyboard artist from the heart of the Native American community? Meet our guest, Joe Williams, a Dakota Nation citizen of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, who not only paints the world with his storyboards but also hosts the successful podcast, 5 Plain Questions. Joe takes us on a fascinating journey from his early art student days to his role as the Director of Plains Art Museum's Native American program, revealing the inspiring story of how childhood experiences catalyzed his journey into the creative realm.

A mentor can be a guiding light in any career, and Joe’s mentor, Oscar Howe, was no different. Discover how Oscar's influence on Joe was instrumental in shaping his career and the world of modern Native American art. Get an insightful peek into Joe’s craft as he discusses the role of collaboration in art, sharing invaluable tips for aspiring artists. Listen to Joe’s discussion on his favorite Native American artists, including Randy Red Star, Hillary Kempeneck, and Kay Walkingstick, as he emphasizes the importance of humility and a good-natured attitude for growth in the field of art.

We gear our conversation toward Joe’s podcast, 5 Plain Questions, and his thoughts on the joys and challenges of hosting a podcast. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling in his podcast and storyboard art. Joe also discusses the importance of supporting local artists and Indigenous music and podcasts. This episode is a treasure trove for anyone interested in Native American art, aspiring artists, and podcast hosts. So tune in, sit back, and let Joe take you on a remarkable journey through the world of Native American art!