David Kanietakeron Fadden was born to John and Eva Fadden in Lake Placid, NY, and grew up in the tiny Adirondack Mountain community of Onchiota. In his youth, he grew up surrounded by the wild beauty of the region, by his grandparents Ray and Christine Fadden’s teachings and stories, and by his parents’ creative example and encouragement. Eva Fadden created wood sculptures, and John, a retired art teacher, was a painter and prolific illustrator. 

With strong ties to both Akwesasne and Onchiota, Dave has established a solid reputation as a painter, but he is also recognized as a storyteller, illustrator, writer, and sculptor. An admirer of the Dutch and Renaissance painters, Dave finds inspiration in the old masters’ eloquent and seemingly effortless use of light. His subjects range from traditional Haudenosaunee teachings to intimate and inspired portrayals of community members. Working primarily in acrylics, he often combines fine brushwork with palette knife applications to produce luminous interpretations of Haudenosaunee youth and elders.

David also developed a mosaic-like technique that captures the complexity and dynamic vitality of contemporary indigenous identity. This expressive technique remains a distinguishing feature in some of his most popular works. Another recent direction explores a sort of reverse appropriation, with iconic works by Rembrandt, Grant Wood, and others re-interpreted and given uniquely Haudenosaunee treatment such as Girl with a Wampum Earring and Onkwehonwe Gothic.

David Fadden has exhibited his work throughout the Northeast and has received numerous commissions for illustration. Additionally, he is a sought-after storyteller. He was recently invited to re-imagine a living wetland exhibition at the Wild Center (Tupper Lake, NY) from a Haudenosaunee perspective. The new interpretation features the “Thanksgiving Address” and includes painting and audio elements.

This biography is excerpted from bluseedstudios.org.