As J. Stanion first laid her hands on a piece of Lakota Ledger art, it wasn’t just the visual appeal that captured her attention—it was the deep sense of history and cultural heritage embodied in the work. Her passion for collecting Indigenous art, particularly Pine Ridge Pottery and Lakota Ledger art, has not only been a personal joy but a creative wellspring for her novels. These art forms have profoundly shaped her storytelling, helping her breathe life into the historical and cultural backdrops of her award-winning and bestselling debut novel.
Content
The Story of Pine Ridge Pottery Is a Story of Resilience
Stanion’s connection to Indigenous art runs deeper than mere admiration. Pine Ridge Pottery, deeply tied to the Lakota people, represents resilience in the face of adversity—something that resonates with her as a writer of historical fiction. She described its significance: “The story of Pine Ridge Pottery is a story of the resilience of the Lakota people.” The pottery, once part of a U.S. government-run education program, became a source of income for Lakota artisans when the program ended. This history of adaptation and survival deeply influences Stanion’s writing, with themes of perseverance reflected in her characters and stories.
Finding a Connection Through Art
For Stanion, each piece of art in her collection serves as a wellspring of inspiration. She explained how these works affect her creatively, saying, “To touch a piece of art, such as pottery, is to know that another human also touched that piece, creating it somewhere in a world where I didn’t exist. I feel a connection to that person when I see or touch their work.” This connection fuels the cultural and historical details in her storytelling, making her narratives rich with authenticity and depth.
Honoring Family Legacy in Fiction
Stanion’s debut novel, My Place Among Them, reflects her deep connection to Indigenous art and history, as well as the influence of her great-grandfather, who worked with Native communities in the early 20th century. She shared, “I wanted my story to honor my great-grandfather’s legacy,” which is why she worked tirelessly to bring his manuscript to life. The novel tells the story of John Iron Horse, a Lakota boy who survived the Wounded Knee massacre and faces the U.S. government’s assimilation policies. Stanion’s knowledge of Lakota culture, much of which stems from her collection, is evident throughout the novel.
Understanding History Through Art
As an artist and collector, Stanion turns to her Indigenous art pieces when facing creative challenges. The visual storytelling in Lakota Ledger art, for instance, has given her a deeper understanding of the emotional weight carried by historical events. She explained, “Art has helped me understand the emotional weight of history, which allows me to connect with my characters on a deeper level.” This understanding brings emotional resonance to her writing, allowing readers to connect not only with the historical events she portrays but also with the humanity of her characters.
Critical Acclaim for My Place Among Them
Since its publication, My Place Among Them has been widely recognized for its cultural significance and historical accuracy. The novel has earned several prestigious awards, including:
2024 BREW Seal of Excellence
2024 Silver Medal Global Book Award for Cultural Heritage Fiction
2024 Pencraft Award for Best Book for Fiction – Cultural
Finalist in the 2023 Laramie Book Awards novel competition for Americana Fiction
Finalist in the 2023 Goethe Book Awards novel competition for Post-1750s Historical Fiction
2023 BREW Fiction Book Excellence Award for Political Fiction of the Year
2023 NYC Big Book Award Winner for Cultural Heritage
2023 Outstanding Creator Awards Top 25 Ranked Non-Fiction Books
Second Place in the 2023 Incipere Book Award for Historical Clean category
2023 HFC “Highly Recommended” 5-Star Award
These accolades highlight Stanion’s ability to blend art, history, and personal legacy into stories that resonate with a broad audience.
Discover the Art That Shaped the Story
J. Stanion’s My Place Among Them is a powerful novel shaped by her passion for Indigenous art and cultural heritage. If you’re looking for a story that blends historical fiction with a deep respect for the past, this book is a must-read.
Explore the art behind the legacy. Buy My Place Among Them today! Available on Amazon, or visit www.jstanion.com to learn more about J. Stanion’s artistic journey and her award-winning work.
Lisa’s the history buff who turns pages into portals to the past. She’ll transport you through time with her historical fiction recommendations and insightful reviews.
Lisa's the history buff who turns pages into portals to the past. She'll transport you through time with her historical fiction recommendations and insightful reviews.
