Sew, Sew, Sew
2024
Slidell, Louisiana
Artworks shown are selected from works submitted by the artist in their grant or residency application. All works are copyright of the artist or artist’s estate.
Tyrone “Pie” Stevenson, the Big Chief of Monogram Hunters, started masking at age 12 with Yellow Pocahontas under Big Chief Tootie. He masked with Yellow Pocahontas for 23 years, then with Tootie’s blessing became Big Chief of Monogram Hunters in 1992. In the 2000’s, he stepped away from masking, concerned that the culture had gotten away from the traditions. He spent five years with The Porch program, teaching sewing and Indian history to kids after school. Pie realized the importance of teaching the Indian traditions to the next generation. In 2014, he returned to masking, wearing black with the tribe’s first Big Queen. In the following years, he was joined by his son, 2nd Chief Jeremy Stevenson, and other members including youth he taught at The Porch. Today, cultural bearer Big Chief Pie celebrates 45 years as a Masking Indian, an honor few people hold in the Louisiana community.
Joan Mitchell Center Residency, 2025
I draw inspiration from my cultural heritage, family lineage, and personal experiences, infusing my creations with symbols, motifs, and narratives that pay homage to the resilience, creativity, and spirituality of the Mardi Gras Indian tradition.”