Celebrating quiet talent

RAPID CITY – Meet Roger Broer, Oglala Lakota artist known for using his own unique modified version of monotype, a print-making technique, except Broer uses oil paints instead of ink. Broer has a long list of prestigious awards and will be adding another to his long list – the Living Treasure of the Lakota Nation Award. Broer received the award during the 2024 Lakota Nation Invitational Art Show in December, South Dakota’s largest high school art show.

Broer met with Native Sun News Today at the Art Show to talk about the award, his art and the art show.

Broer, whose formal art education didn’t begin until he was 26, has been recognized regularly for his exceptional talent and innovative approach. His work has been featured in numerous shows, galleries, museums and collections both nationally and internationally including Washington, D.C. and Paris, France. With a portfolio that reflects a profound evolution in artistic expression, Broer’s journey is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of creative excellence.

Born in Omaha Nebraska in 1945, economic hardships led to Broer’s removal from his Oglala Lakota mother. He was placed in an orphanage and at age two, he was adopted by a German blacksmith and raised in Randolph, Nebraska.

As an adult, Broer reconnected with his Lakota heritage. After serving in the military, he returned home to Pine Ridge to spend time with relatives. He eventually pursued a fine arts degree at Eastern Montana College in Billings, Montana and a master’s degree from Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington.

“The last regular job I had was in 1979. I was a counselor for the State of Washington,” said Broer. Since then, he has made a living as an artist while upholding his values. “Some times were better than others. My wife worked for many years. We had to eat and feed the children.” He mentioned that being an artist has been very rewarding but also emphasized the need for commitment. “You have to stay committed. I see many young artists who have a gift but abuse it. They treat it as a game and create art just to sell, but it says nothing about our people, our ways, or our values. These are things I deal with in each piece I create.”

Broer can understand why someone might use their gift to make a sale occasionally, but he firmly believes in dedication. “To me, it’s not just a way to make a living; it’s a way of living. I live my art, and I can’t imagine anyone not being that committed. How can anyone be so casual about it?”

Broer promotes family and respect through his art, and he is disheartened by those who do not take their artistic responsibilities seriously. “If a person wants to use their talent to make a sale now and then, I can understand that to a certain extent,” he added. But he warned about such mistreatment. “Those young people who are using the gift as a way to make a living they’ll be able to do that for a while, but my feeling is the gift will turn on you. And it will go away. If you don’t use it, you lose it. If you only use it for profit, it will evade you. I believe that very seriously.”

He described his own work ethos. “I work every day. I go to my studio every day. Even if I’m traveling, I do something every day. You have to keep stimulating the gift and being respectful to it.”

“This is a prestigious art show,” said Broer of the LNI art show as he surveyed the roomful of artwork. He discussed the challenges many students face in securing funds for college, even those with exceptional talent. “It’s interesting to see how many young people pour their hearts into this. Of course, many of them do it as a class assignment and aren’t deeply involved; they probably have other interests. But then there are the few gifted students. I just spoke with one such student who I taught at the Oscar Howe Summer Arts Institute in Vermillion last summer. The kid is very talented, as is his sister. Unfortunately, it’s unlikely they will attend university due to the high costs which the family can’t afford. It’s an unfortunate situation, so they are considering attending Sinte Gleska, which is a fine school that offers many valuable opportunities.”

Broer continued, “I also spoke with he and his sister both about the possibility of getting a scholarship to the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico. It would likely provide them with a more well-rounded education and make them more competitive.”

Broer laughed heartily as he joked about receiving the Living Treasure Award. “I guess they’re a little worried and decided to honor me this year instead of waiting until next year.”

Reflecting on his career, Broer admitted, “I’ve kind of been wondering the last few years why I’m never honored. It’s because I don’t brag. As a Lakota, I try not to boast. I try to live my life as a warrior and as an artist. Art is my life. And I don’t toot my own horn.”

“I feel very honored,” and with a big smile, Broer expressed his true feelings about being recognized, “I just want to jump up and down and scream, I’m so happy, but I try to maintain my composure and be humble about it. That’s very important.”

(Contact Marnie Cook at cookm8715@gmail.com)

The post Celebrating quiet talent first appeared on Native Sun News Today.

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