Deb West (Eastern Band Cherokee), a member of the Blue Clan, has studied traditional Cherokee arts her entire life and is primarily self-taught. However, at the age of twelve, her mother taught her to sew. This skill informed her eventual pursuit of fashion design. West earned a BA in Arts Education from Mars Hill College and continues to share her knowledge with others. West works across a broad spectrum of mediums including pottery, sewing, drawing, and photography. Her work has garnered multiple awards at the Cherokee Indian Fair in the categories of sketches, photography, and quilting. As a respected career-long caretaker for Cherokee’s Senior population, West’s art is inspired by the enjoyment it brings not only to her, but its ability to bring joy to the community she loves. West currently resides in the Big Cove Community of Cherokee, NC.
