Meet Monica Gilles-BringsYellow | Indigenous Artist & Therapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Monica Gilles-BringsYellow and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Monica, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
I am happiest when I am making art that I know will positively impact my community and culture. I just enjoy being able to provide art that reflects my community and myself. As an Indigenous person, there isn’t a lot of accurate representation of Native American people in the broader society. And it makes me feel really happy to be able to share my culture in a positive light.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am an Indigenous artist based in Montana. I decided to teach myself how to paint a little over 2 1/2 years ago and basically fell into the art world from there. My preferred mode of painting is what I like call 3-D collage, in which I layer inks, resin, paint, and other materials to create portraits that also play with light and shadows.

I use my paintings to tell the histories of Native American people and provide authentic cultural representation from an Indigenous perspective. I am most proud of the public art that I have created and the personal commissions I was able to do for people of their loved ones.

I reached where I am professionally by being willing to explore the limits of my art and creativity. I continue to try and push the boundaries in not only the techniques that I regularly practice, but also by exploring new mediums and new ways to exhibit my art. I think that ties into the biggest lesson I have learned, which is to be willing to put yourself out there not only creatively but also professionally. I think it’s important to try new things and be willing to experiment even when it is scary, and to remember to trust in yourself and your talent.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
In my area, most people come to visit because of Montana’s outdoor scene. So depending on the season, we might try to go for a hike in the Bitterroot Mountains, the Mission Mountains, or visit Glacier National Park or go skiing someplace like Snowbowl or Lost Trail. If we were to stay in Missoula, we might try to hit up a Griz game at the University of Montana and go to someplace like Rocking Rudy’s, Fact and Fiction bookstore, or Aporta to go shopping. We would probably spend a lot of time downtown, where there are a number of places to eat like the Market on Front (best burritos), Bigga Pizza, and the Empanada Joint.

Other fun places to eat in town are the Out To Dinner and Out To Lunch events in which all of the food trucks park downtown at Caras Park and there is a variety of food to choose from. My personal favorite is Mexican Moose.

Missoula is also a college town so it is full of breweries and bars. Personal favorites are Draught Works, Al and Vics, James Bar, and the Rhino.

We would also try and do a gallery walk downtown. I enjoy visiting Zootown Arts Community Center, Missoula Art Museum, and the Radius Gallery, but there are also many other galleries downtown.

If someone came to visit me in April, one of my favorite events occurs, which is Kyiyo Pow Wow, and they would be coming with me to attend that multiday celebration.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shout out to a large group of friends, relatives, and artists that support my work and encourage me to keep going. I’d like to do a shoutout first and foremost to my friends and family on the Flathead Reservation, the Missoula artistic community especially the ZACC, KALICO Art Center in Kalispell, MT and the Plains Soul Beading Group.

Website: www.bringsyellowhorses.bigcartel.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brings_yellow_horses/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BringsYellowArt