About the Artist
Robert Redbird Sr. (July 22, 1939 – March 5, 2016) was a Native American artist who painted in order to preserve and communicate the Kiowa culture.[1] He is known primarily for his blanket-wrapped Southern Plains figures and depiction of Kiowa folklore. Redbird worked in several media but is most well known for having accomplished his works with an airbrush. Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry declared June 7, 2003 as “Robert Redbird Day” to celebrate the artist’s many creative and humanitarian achievements.
His grandmother was Hispanic, while his grandfather was Kiowa. His grandfather was one of the Kiowa Five, Monroe Tsatoke. Naturally he was inspired to become an artist, as he lived with his grandparents.
Redbird financially supported a summer camp for handicapped children when he lived in Scottsdale, Arizona. Redbird sold his paintings for these camps that would take the children on field trips and afford them experiences that they would not have otherwise. The most money he raised for the kids totaled $56,000, with contributions coming from all over.
Redbird worked in many different capacities in his life. He has worked as a welder, mechanic, auto body repairman & painter, a Pentecostal minister, a gospel singer, commercial artist, lecturer, and painter. He also served as a cultural consultant on several motion pictures, including the 1990 film, Dances With Wolves.
Redbird also received many awards in his lifetime, including:
- Historian Artist award at the Hollywood Indian Stars Awards in Beverly Hills
- Oklahoma declared June 7, 2003 as “Robert Redbird Day” to celebrate the artist’s many creative and humanitarian achievements.
- “Honored One” – Red Earth Indian Arts Festival (2002)
The above was gleaned from Wikipedia’s citation for the artist.
Taken From: https://savvycollector.com/artists/1660-robert-redbird-sr