All photos courtesy of the artist
Jaycie Ward has already explored an impressive range of creative pursuits at 15 years old. A citizen of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation with Yuchi heritage, Ward creates through drawing, painting, beading, sewing, and paper crafts. She works traditionally and digitally. She also plays multiple instruments, sings, and writes music. For Ward, creativity is not limited to one discipline. “I’ve always wanted to create,” she says.
Creating from Within
Ward’s inspiration comes from within. She describes her art as a way to show part of herself and how she sees the world. Traditional drawing is her favorite visual medium. She especially appreciates the imperfections left by pencil or pen on paper. Those imperfections make each drawing unique. Ward has also learned that mistakes can be part of the beauty of creating. “Sometimes mistakes give art the chance to show that even if it’s not perfect, it can still be beautiful.”
One piece Ward is particularly proud of is a shirt she painted with an otter for her brother. She knew she had accomplished what she wanted when she finished it. There were no parts she thought were inaccurate. She also creates highly detailed animal artwork. For a recent bison and calf painting, Ward researched animal bone structures to improve the accuracy of her work. The painting was created for Phyllis Bigpond, a Yuchi elder and activist being honored with a library naming in Denver, Colorado.
A Life Filled with Music
Music is another major part of Ward’s creative life. She plays euphonium, trombone, trumpet, bass guitar, violin, frame drum and Native flute. She also sings and has begun writing her own lyrics. Ward has performed with concert, jazz, mariachi and honor bands. She has played with the Rice University Owl Pep Band and Houston Concert Band. She has also performed with the Girl Gang Brass Band at the House of Blues in Houston. Her musical experiences include experimental free improvisation with her family at Houston arts venues. Of all the instruments she has explored, euphonium and bass guitar are among her favorites.
Ward’s creative work is closely connected to her Native heritage. For two years, she has participated in her mother’s Good Medicine Indigenous Music Festival. She has created artwork for the festival while also performing music and singing in Mvskoke and Yuchi. Ward also designed the festival’s logo. The design features a turtle covered with medicines, plants, foods, and Yuchi symbols. She has also presented music for Native American Heritage Month and performed Native flute in community settings.
Growing with Creativity
Ward’s parents have encouraged her artistic growth from the beginning. Both are musicians and fellow artists. They have supported her with supplies and opportunities to develop her skills. Her mother also describes an artist who gives generously to the people around her. “You can tell she is blessed by the Creator to create in such a way that leaves her heart out in the open,” her mother, Aryn Ward, says. She also praises Ward’s willingness to help her siblings and others. “Her heart of gold sure shines brightly.”
Ward has learned that becoming a better artist requires patience. Her biggest challenge is often the part of the process she does not want to do. That might mean measuring something or waiting for paint to dry. She knows those steps matter, even when they are frustrating. She has also learned that art cannot always be rushed. Her goal is to keep improving the skills she already has. She would rather grow deeper in those areas than constantly add something new.
Ward hopes her work will inspire other young artists to create authentically. “I hope my art impacts other artists like me and inspires them to create straight from their heart.” Her advice to other young creators is equally straightforward. “Practice is how you get better at art.” She knows not every piece will be perfect. She also knows that practice makes difficult things easier over time.
Ward’s understanding of Native art reflects the independence at the center of her own creative practice. “My art is Native because I am Native,” she says. She does not believe Native artists should have to meet a specific set of expectations. Art can take whatever form feels authentic to the person creating it. “We should be able to express ourselves in whatever medium, genre, or style that feels authentic to each of us without having to prove that our work is ‘Native enough.’” For Ward, being Native is not a limitation on creativity. It is part of who she is, while her art remains uniquely her own.
Rising Voices
To nominate a Native youth artist (under 21 years old) for Rising Voices, fill out our nomination form here.