Pah-tu E. Pitt

Tribe: Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs / Wasco / Yakama / Pitt River (Wintu)
Based In: Seattle, WA
Email: pahtupitt@gmail.com
Social Media: facebook.com/freshoutofdough
Website: etsy.com/shop/NativeKut

About the Artist
Pah-tu Pitt’s tribal heritage is Wasco, Warm Springs, and Pitt River. She grew up surrounded by the natural world, learning in the woods and visualizing how the old ones lived which still inspires her creative practice today. Her artwork explores themes of female empowerment, strength, and environmental advocacy. Although printmaking is her focus, she is also a budding carver and has apprenticed in bead working and basketry. Pah-tu has a background in environmental science and strongly believes that bringing back ancestral memory through creativity is a way to encourage cultural continuance and respect.

About the Art
My work draws on the desire to re-center feminine and diverse leadership and to increase representation from experiences that are lesser-known. Reclaiming trade, artistic expression, and community-based leadership is themes that I explore. Often times the experiences of Native and local Tribes are absent from spaces of influence. Art is an avenue to add to the narrative while expressing responsibilities to place. Our experiences translate to other communities, and I am particularly hopeful about Black and Indigenous solidarity efforts. My Tribes frequently experience water insecurity, yet our homelands literally power the economies of the Pacific Northwest and California. My art depicts some of these experiences and proudly hangs behind other Native peoples working for livable futures. Through growing Native Kut, I am able to volunteer, advocate, and serve in roles promoting a Green sector that addresses systemic racism and setter colonialism. My work also centers around community care and extensive self-work as I am a mentor to many and enjoy matching up my expertise to support dismantling racism and creating our own spaces. Art tells stories words can't, drawing on wisdom and experiences reclaiming space in science and standing against erasure.

Youngest Tribal Councilperson Miller + Her Dad

linocut block, 2018
photo by Mel Carter

The Quintessential Throwback Wishxam Fam

linocut block, 2018
photo by Mel Carter

Wasco Dancers (installation view)

linocut block, 2018
photo by Mel Carter

Tahoma Breathes

mixed media, 2020

This is a mixed media collaboration with Sean Gallagher (Inupiat) representing the perspectives of the mountains during climate change, urbanization, and efforts to end police violence. The mountain will witness and experience the impacts of organizing efforts that center healing, opportunities, and addressing capitalism's role in systemic racism.

Tahoma Breathes 2

mixed media, 2020

available for purchase

On the other side of the mountain depicting Tahoma's experience breathing as climate change happens, our communities and organizing efforts seek to take care of each other, and the mountains beloved relationships including relatives to the east.

Cedar Rose Rising

linoblock, 2020

available for purchase

This limited edition series was created with the support of the Sustainable Seattle Interweave program. Talking with a fellow Native woman environmental professional inspired the work. The piece recognizes the connection between the presence we have when we make things, respectfully connect with places, and support one another. The wild rose represents that freedom and reciprocity.

Xalish Protector

yellow cedar, pigment, linseed oil, 2019

This piece is the animal embodiment of the Xalish (wolf), which believes in futures that include safety for all, centering around womxn girls, and Elders. The presence stands against anti-blackness and perpetuating harm to vulnerable people. It is a Wasco traditional figure.