My First Citizens work started when I discovered hundreds of old black-and-white photographs of Indigenous people taken by Edward S. Curtis in the early 20th century. Curtis' images capture the intensity of his subjects, and, often, the truth of their existence. I also wanted to capture the spirit and nature of them. I want to show the beauty of their inherent dignity, even in the face of the offensive treatment they continue to experience. They simultaneously emerge from and disappear into the canvas as Native People increasingly disappear. I regularly return to this series to find new ways to connect to the subjects and Curtis.