Thomas Ward

Thomas Ward is 74 years old, growing up and living as a member of the Manzanita Band of the Kumeyaay Nation. A multimedia artist, Ward has created fine art throughout his life, working mainly in sculpture. A year ago, Ward began working in oil paints, learning under the tutelage of Andrea Rushing, an African American artist and studio art teacher working out of San Diego.

In Ward’s own words:

I am a prolific artist, creating work that reflects my Indian life, particularly that of the Kumeyaay. Everyone paints the Plains Indians, but me not so much. I also work in landscapes, painting my travels. Conservative by nature I don’t buy into a lot of these natural things that young people (I am 74) are freaking out about. I look to create historically accurate works of art, and art that encourages people. I love to make art. It is my happy place.

IVDM is excited to be exhibiting one of Ward’s recently created oil paintings, Yosemite Valley as part of Native Voices | Native Truths: A Contemporary Experience.

You can reach Ward through his email Kayaktom@gmail.com or by phone at 619-371-8497.

Yosemite Valley, 2023

giclee print of oil painting

16 in x 20 in

The painting Yosemite Valley was made from photos taken from a view area in October 2023 on my first visit to Yosemite.