Photography
Chickasaw Culture KeepersJim Trosper sees photography as a way to capture a moment, preserving it for future generations. His ethereal and vibrant photographs and time lapse sequences of the land, the sky, the stars and nature transport the viewer to a single point in time and evoke a deep sense of emotion. He wants his viewers to feel a connection to nature the same way he does while taking the photographs. "We are a people who have lived off the land, lived with the land," he says, "I feel like getting back in touch with that really inspires me to produce the high quality of art that I’m really proud of." Photographing the stars and the Milky Way specifically helps Jim feel a connection back to his Chickasaw heritage. Even though his ancestors weren't taking photographs of the celestial sky above, he knows they were gazing at it in awe just like him. "A lot of traditional Chickasaw artwork is beadwork, it's basket weaving, things that are physical and that you can put your hands on. I try to use my photography to bring a new way to look at Chickasaw traditional art," he says. Jim hopes that young Chickasaws who see his work are inspired to connect with nature just like him and get a sense of who they are as Chickasaw people.
EPISODES
Stickball Sticks
S1 • E2
Metalsmithing
S1 • E5
Shell Carving
S2 • E1
Horticulture
S2 • E3
Traditional Foods
S2 • E5
Beaded Collars
S2 • E8
Drum Making
S2 • E9
Storytelling
S2 • E10
Bow Making
S2 • E11
Brent Greenwood Art
S2 • E12
Beaded Jewelry
S3 • E1
Flint Knapping
S3 • E2
Stomp Dancing
S3 • E3
Turkey Calls
S3 • E5
Woodturning
S3 • E7
Bead Artisan
S3 • E8
Textile Art
S3 • E9
Quilt Making
S3 • E10
The Legacy of Bow Making
S3 • E12
Bead Artistry
S4 • E1
Woven Mats
S4 • E3
Metalworking
S4 • E4
Photography
S4 • E5
Deer Toe Shakers
S4 • E7
Stickball Sticks
S4 • E8
Shell Carving
S4 • E9
Medicine Bags
S4 • E10
Natural Dyes
S4 • E11
Bladesmithing
S5 • E1
Porcupine Quillwork
S5 • E3
Pottery Burnishing
S5 • E4
Shell Carving
S5 • E5
Duck Decoys
S5 • E6
Traditional Arrows
S5 • E7
Fine Gourd Art
S5 • E8
Traditional Flutes
S5 • E9
Turtle Pottery
S5 • E10
Turtle Shell Shakers
S5 • E11
Pucker Toe Moccasins
S5 • E12
Tattoos and War Paint
S6 • E1
Leggings and Breechcloths
S6 • E2
Hide Brain Tanning
S6 • E3
Stories of Kullihoma
S6 • E5
History of Beads
S6 • E6One Tribe One Mission
"Our mission to enhance the overall quality of life of the Chickasaw people will continue to serve as our guidepost as we work together to build an even brighter future"
Bill Anoatubby, Governor
Available Now
Follow us on Social Media
