Born in the fall of 2001, Tehatsistahawi (Tsista) Kennedy is a Turtle Clan Anishinaabe and Onyota’a:aka artist belonging to Beausoleil First Nation and Oneida Nation of the Thames. He is a self-taught artist, and often creates his work digitally.

 

Tsista’s variation of woodland style can be recognized by semi-bold black lines, intricate patterns, and vibrant colors; all of which work together to make the artwork flow elegantly across the canvas.​

 

Tsista Kennedy’s artwork isn’t solely rooted in the traditional aspects of his identity, nor his contemporary perspectives; it’s a merging of the two. With his personal experiences and stories thrown into the mix, combining these two perspectives provides the inspiration behind some of Tsista Kennedy’s artwork today. Being a frequent daydreamer however, many of his best art pieces simply begin as an image or idea popping up in his head.