I am an American Indian
I am of Osage, Kaw, Cheyenne River Sioux, and mixed European heritage.
I don’t walk in beauty, I just try not to step in dog shit.
I don’t listen to the wind, I listen to people’s cell phone conversations.
I go to Pow-wows to celebrate a Pan-Indian culture.
I don’t walk the Red Road, I walk down Kedzie Boulevard.
I live 20 feet above the earth.
I listen to Norwegian Black Metal and 70’s Prog Rock.
I need to learn the language of my people.
I make paintings to bring awareness that Indians are still here.
I prefer to term Indian over Native American, but I use both.
I wonder why many people want to know what “percentage” Indian I am.
I am blessed in that I don’t know anyone who is currently addicted to drugs, been a victim of domestic violence or committed suicide.
I am blessed in that I have a loving wife and a beautiful daughter.
I am an American Indian living in the 21st century.
 
As reviewed in THE Magazine Dec 2009:
“In a departure from predominately abstract or abstracted forms was the work of Chicago-based artist Chris Pappan. Both his hilarious artist’s statement- “I don’t listen to the wind, I listen to people’s cell phone conversations” – and his skillful, smart, update on traditional ledger art make him a truly postmodern phenomenon and a welcome addition to the Santa Fe scene.”
 
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