It all started when…

Joanne Brings Thunder
Artist • Designer • Architect • Wind River Shoshone

Hello!

It's always interesting and insightful when you decide to sit down and write something about yourself. Kind of fun... as you get down to the core essence of who you are. Here's a little bit about me and my studio.

I’m Joanne Brings Thunder—an artist, architect, and storyteller rooted in the traditions of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe - Wyoming USA. My life is a vibrant tapestry woven with creativity, family, and the rugged beauty of Wyoming’s Wind River Indian Reservation. A direct descendant of Chief Washakie, our last living chief, I carry forward the legacy of resilience and ingenuity passed down through generations.

I live surrounded by the laughter of my three grown children (Swan, Stacey, and Sophia), the loyal companionship of numerous rez dogs and cats, and the quiet wisdom of open skies. When I’m not in my studio, you’ll find me sketching under cottonwood trees, studying history, attending fuctions across Indian Country, or my favorite creating in my studio.

My Journey

I’ve been “making things” all my life. By age six, I was stitching beads under the guidance of my grandmother, Eva McAdams—a 1996 NEA National Heritage Fellow and master regalia maker—a dynamic matriarch who taught me to honor tradition while embracing my own voice. Her kitchen-table lessons in beadwork, sewing, and storytelling became the foundation for everything I do.

After formal training in art and engineering, I fused my Shoshone heritage with a passion for architecture and surface design. For over 25 years, I’ve worked as a freelance illustrator, interior designer, and architect, while designing and building hotels and high end residential, crafting wearable art and home décor from vintage fabrics and reclaimed materials. In 2012, I returned home from living abroad to launch Joanne Brings Thunder, LLC, a studio where ancestral motifs meet bold, contemporary design.

My Art & Philosophy

Art is a bridge between past and present. My work—whether a neon-accented ribbon skirt, a parfleche-inspired lampshade, or a beaded necklace blending geometric precision with modern flair—celebrates the living pulse of Shoshone culture. I reimagine centuries-old patterns with electric blues, sunlit yellows, and the same reverence my ancestors held for natural pigments.

Sustainability and community are at my core. I repurpose vintage textiles, support emerging Native artisans, and donate to causes like tribal women’s fundraisers and local animal shelters. To me, creativity isn’t just about beauty—it’s about stewardship. Every piece I create is designed to be worn, lived in, and loved, honoring the belief that art should elevate and connect.

Why I Create

I believe art ignites joy, confidence, and change. Through workshops, collaborations, and even a simple beaded earring, I aim to inspire others to find their pwn creative fire. My studio isn’t just a workspace—it’s a testament to the idea that we thrive when we honor our roots, nurture our communities, and dare to reimagine the future.

Let’s Connect

I’d love to hear from you! Share how you’ve styled my jewelry, art, or textiles in your life, or just say hello. Together, let’s celebrate the beauty of living with intention.

Much Love, JBT.