ᎤᎧᏖᎾ (Uktena)

Acrylic paint on wood panel. Titled after Uktena (ook-tay-nah) “the keen eyed” a giant serpent like creature in Cherokee traditional stories with horns and a diamond like gem or jewel in its forehead. Nothing can escape discovery if in the range of Uktena’s vision. If a hero can capture the jewel from the Uktena’s forehead it will give them success in their endeavors. This jewel’s most powerful use; however, is for prophecy. Richard D. York is a citizen of Cherokee Nation with an MFA in Visual Studies from Pacific Northwest College of Art Hallie Ford School of Graduate Studies. He lives in Sequoyah County of Cherokee Nation with his wife Rini and three children.