THE RED ROAD

by Kahrin Spear

As spoken by Oglala Sioux medicine man, Black Elk, to be walking The Red Road is to live a spiritual life embodying the Seven Sacred Virtues of the Lakota: 

Wóčhekiya : Prayer

Wičákha : Honesty

Wahwala : Humility

Waúnšila : Compassion

Waóhola : Respect

Wawokiye : Generosity

Wóksape : Wisdom

When I discovered this profound Native American philosophy, it immediately became my center line—the backbone of how I want to live my life.

Using recycled fabric from Cleveland fashion designer, William Frederick, I designed and cut abstract interpretations of each virtue.

These shapes are called bahboos: mystical beings who embody Spirit in its most ethereal aspects—neutral, formless, androgynous, and deeply mysterious.

The materiality of the work is also intentional. Custom, solid walnut frames symbolize our earthly existence, while layers of filtered beeswax and soy wax contextualize the heavenly realms I visit often in meditation.

This debut exhibition is first and foremost an expression of my reverence for Native American culture and spiritual philosophies. Secondly, it is an invitation to reflect on our own spirituality and relationship to harmony.

It hangs as a mirror, encouraging us all to examine our unique contributions as threads woven in and through the fabric of life.