Wade Patton, an enrolled member of the Oglala Lakota tribe, was born and raised on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Renowned for his distinctive use of cloud ink and drawings on ledger pages, Wade draws inspiration from the expansive skies of the Northern Plains, which have profoundly influenced his life and work. His creations reflect his heritage and the natural beauty of his homeland, highlighting the intrinsic connection between art and culture.

In his youth, Wade found joy in lying in the tall grasses and gazing up at the clouds, experiences that nurtured a deep sense of grounding and belonging. This grounding is often mirrored in his artwork, mainly through the imagery of the buffalo, symbolizing the strength and resilience of his single mother, who stands guard over three tipis representing her sons.

Recently, Wade has embraced beading, guided by the mentorship of Molina Jo Two Bulls, adding another dimension to his artistic expression. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from Black Hills State University and possesses a natural affinity for various mediums, including oil pastels and mixed media. Wade is excited to be involved in the thriving Native art scene, reconnecting with his ancestry and the land and channeling these experiences into a new body of work. With enthusiasm and a sense of purpose, he looks forward to the future and the untold stories his art will express.