Mosiah Ware is a talented painter who specializes in mixed media artwork.  An enrolled member of the Delaware Nation of Oklahoma and a descendant of the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma, he is also a freelance artist and a full-time student at Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma, majoring in graphic arts.  Mr. Ware resides in Anadarko, Oklahoma.

Raised in Anadarko, he was surrounded by many talented Indian artists who helped to spark his passion for art and significantly influenced his creative process.  While still in elementary school, Mr. Ware took an interest in drawing, beginning with stick figures and cartoons.  He drew on every scrap piece of paper he could find to practice his art.  

After graduating high school, Mosiah served six years in the United States Army.  During his service, he was stationed in various military bases and deployed for one year to Afghanistan.  Following his return to civilian life, he began exploring his artistic pursuits, driven by a desire to express himself creatively.  

His current artwork draws inspiration from Delaware and Kiowa histories and cultures, as well as contemporary issues in his community.  Conversation with family members can play a role in developing ideas for new artwork.   Inspiration also comes from studying other artwork, and adapting those elements into his own style and techniques.

When Mr. Ware is ready to begin a painting, he listens to music as a source of further inspiration.  The feelings generated by a significant song guide him as he converts his thoughts to notes and sketches on paper.  He then begins to transfer these ideas to a blank canvas, using oil or acrylic paints. 

Mr. Ware would like viewers of his art to be able to connect with his feeling at the time he makes each piece.  Mr. Ware is meticulous in the details of his work, occasionally spending as much as six months perfecting a painting.  As he gains more experience and skill as an artist, Mr. Ware’s art continues to change and develop in new and meaningful ways.  

Mr. Ware’s art has been exhibited at the Cameron University Art building in Lawton, Oklahoma, and is included in numerous private collections. This exhibit marks the first time his art has been exhibited in a professional museum setting and is Mr. Ware’s first solo exhibition.  The artwork featured in the exhibition may be purchased by contacting Mosiah Ware directly at chiefyellowhand285@gmail.com. 

This painting was inspired by a 1983 piece made by renowned Kiowa Tribal artist, Robert Redbird The original piece was painted on paper using acrylic paints.

Mr. Ware's rendition is painted on linen canvas with oil paints which are meticulously applied in layers to create the same effect as the acrylic technique. He is pleased with the outcome of the painting and hopes viewers can see the connection to the original while appreciating his rendering.

The "Protector" stares off into the distance looking out for his people. This represents the guardian of the Native American people who was sent down by the Creator to watch out for all people. In the background, there is a ceremony being held by a family as they lay someone to rest.  They are returning the body back to Mother Earth and their spirit back to the heavens. The artist uses fine line work and a value scale of tones to create the Protector’s facial features, regalia, and war bonnet.

 
This artwork is an unorthodox self-portrait. The left side of the portrait features very limited colors: brown, black, white, and gray. The right side of the portrait features monochromatic values of gray and the red background is a striking color to capture the attention of the viewer. White and black jagged lines emerging from the center represent a mirror cracking and falling apart, a direct reference to someone trying to keep their mental health together. The left portion of the background represents depression and the right anxiety. This piece is dedicated to anyone fighting a battle within themselves.