Heidi K. Brandow
Diné (Navajo) & Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian)
Multidisciplinary Artist
Heidi K. Brandow (Diné & Kānaka Maoli) is a versatile artist whose work prioritizes the inclusion of Indigenous people and perspectives in creating ethical and sustainable forms of creative engagement and artistic expression.
Alongside co-founding the Harvard Indigenous Design Collective, which champions design by and for Indigenous communities as an integral component of design fields’ history, theory, and practice, Heidi currently serves as a Master Artist Mentor at the Institute of American Indian Arts’ Master of Fine Arts – Studio Arts Program. In previous roles, she was an Artist Liaison and Guest Curator at the Coe Center for Art. She served as a Tribal Liaison at Local Contexts, assisting Indigenous communities in reclaiming authority of their material culture and archives. Currently, Heidi is the Associate Director of Communications at First Peoples Fund, where she continues to uplift and promote the work and stories of Indigenous artists and culture bearers to a national audience.
Brandow completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts at the Institute of American Indian Arts, studied industrial design at Istanbul Technical University, and received a Master of Design Studies from Harvard University.
WORKS
– portfolio –
Artist Statement
“My artwork is a reflection of my life as a Diné (Navajo) and Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) woman. It mirrors my communities—the places I grew up, the oceans I swam in, the playgrounds where we laughed, the land that nurtured us, and the places filled with collective memories. My ancestors were resourceful and innovative; I strive to embody these qualities. While honoring our history, I am also rooted in the present, navigating a fast-paced world with creativity and adaptability.
This blend of heritage and modernity shines through in my art, expressed with diverse materials, patterns, colors, and characters. My artwork captures the velocity of life, our need for agility, and the importance of a sense of humor. It is a celebration of the past and present, inviting others to explore and connect with their own journeys.”