Artist Spotlight: Dustin Illetewahke Mater
Dustin Illetewahke Mater, Chickasaw, is an award-winning multimedia artist and designer. Mater’s works are diverse, but the aesthetics and tones are expressed through traditional tribal iconography and modern design.
Dustin studied art and design at Santa Monica College and the Multimedia Institute of Hollywood from 2000 to 2004. In 2009, Dustin began working with his tribe and was commissioned to create three posters and an illustrated book for the play Lowak Shoppla’. His works have been used and shown by the United States Air Force, Pendleton Blankets, and the permanent collection of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI). Mater has additional artistic works shown in Paris, Edinburgh, the National Parks Service, and multiple illustration books.
As a visual artist, Dustin has spent a lifetime cultivating his skills in visual representation. His grandmother and original Chickasaw enrollee, helped him understand the beauty of their tribe’s history. This led to the inspiration and cultivation of his talents, which is shown through Mahota Textiles’ Artist Collection blanket titled Brothers’ Loss and Renewal.
“My work is a juxtaposition of colors, tones, materials, and historical splendor. And to tell stories of strength, determination, success, and the glory within.”
Brothers’ Loss and Renewal
Long ago, on the banks of the great river, Balbásha’ Okhina’ (the Mississippi River) two brothers, Chiksa’ and Chahta are mourning the loss of the beloved Ofi’ Tohbi Ishto’ (The Big White Dog), a gift from Aba’ Bínni’li’ (The Creator). For it was a gift that helped guide them to new lands and heal their wounds while on their journey. Now it waits for us in the stars as Ofi’ Tohbi Ihina’ (The Milky Way), to guide us to our next journey in the afterlife. Now the people look to the leaning pole for divine direction from the Creator to their new lands.