Crane Woman Art
Sharon Catlege (Jejakwe’), Potawatomi Artist
Sharon is a self-taught artist based in Oklahoma, best known for her evocative paintings of Native American subjects portrayed through historical and spiritual lenses. A proud member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Sharon draws deeply from her Potawatomi heritage, her experiences growing up on a rural Oklahoma farm, and her travels across the country.
She was given the Potawatomi name Jejakwe’ — “Crane Woman.” In Potawatomi tradition, the crane is known as the “thunderer,” with a voice that is bold and unmistakable. Sharon has chosen to make her own sound through art — using the language of brush, color, and spirit.
“My paintings,” Sharon explains, “are about connecting the spiritual with the natural world. They recall a time when Indigenous people believed that all elements of nature — the wind, rocks, plants, animals — had souls, and were therefore sacred. Wearing a part of nature was believed to carry the essence of its spiritual power.”
Through her work, Sharon seeks to express the profound significance of sacred objects and regalia — not just as adornment, but as outward symbols of identity, ancestral memory, and spiritual connection. Her art invites viewers to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the quiet beauty and timeless wisdom found in the natural world.
With every painting, Sharon shares a visual story that honors her heritage, celebrates the interconnectedness of life, and inspires a deeper appreciation for the sacred presence in all things.