Paula J. Wojtkowski (Eastern Band Cherokee), a member of the Paint Clan, is relatively new to the fashion world. After earning a BS in Communications and an MBA, Wojtkowski has turned her attention toward creating innovative fabric designs based on traditional Cherokee patterns. As a member of the Bigmeat family, renowned for their pottery, Wojtkowski grew up learning to dig clay, create pottery and shine/design pots for sale. This background informs her contemporary designs. In collaboration with Sheena Brings Plenty and Justin Reed, she incorporates stamp pottery designs as well as historical images into her muti-media fashion concepts. She credits her long lineage of artisans, including her great aunts Mabel Bigmeat Swimmer, Elizabeth Bigmeat Jackson and Lousie Bigmeat Maney, cousins, Nancy Maney, William Maney and Charla Crowe as being her biggest influences and continues to be inspired by her own grandchildren. She currently resides in the Wolftown Community of Cherokee, NC.
Paula Wojtkowski
