|
David Ipiña, a well-known Native American artist from the Sacramento area passed away in 1998, A member of the Yurok tribe, David Ipiña worked as a multimedia artist and as a poet and writer. He traveled throughout California and beyond to share and sell his art, becoming a notable member of the Californian Native American community.
.......
WALKING THE RED ROAD Being Indian is mainly in your heart. It's a way of walking with the earth instead of upon it. A lot of the history books talk about us Indians in the past tense, but we don't plan on going anywhere... We have lost so much, but the thing that holds us together is that we all belong to and are protectors of the earth; that's the reason for us being here. Mother Earth is not a resource, she is an heirloom." Quotation from David Ipina - Yurok Indian
|
Karin Gephart (Reeves)
I was very saddened to find that David had passed. The David I remember always had a smile on his face and tried his hardest to make you laugh. We shared many laughs together and he was always fun to be around. His artistic side was already apparent then from all his doodles,always done with a flourish. I wish I could have kept in contact with him and known the man. I know he is sadly missed by all who loved him.Bruce Warren Tolley
Thanks Steve and Karin for sharing your memories.For those of us who saw David a bit post high school and post-Dartmouth, it was good to see him return to California and blossom as an artist. He illustrated at least one book and there was a memorial exhibition of his work at UC Davis.
Laurel (Laurie) Lester (West)
I knew David from elementary thru High School. He was so much fun, made me laugh all the time. Like Karen, I remember his "doodles" well. He was always drawing. He always had a smile and was very proud of his Indian heritage. He was always a special person to me.Deborah Mary Dalton (Dittmeyer)
I remember Dave's smile and to this day I will remmber him drawing in class. We ill meet again my friend.
Christina L. Lemargie
I am so sad and shocked to hear about David passing. I am one of the girls that was honored to be able to wear Davids block sweater for a time.
High school for us was so very long ago and while it is fun to find these pages and possibly re-connect with old friends, it is also difficult to hear of their passings.
He was such a sweet guy and I have thought of him often over the years, I am not surprised to read of his poetry passion.
Diane Rebero (Rock)
I am so sorry to hear this news. I am almost at a loss for words. He was a good friend to me. He was very artistic, poetic, kind, and insightful. Dave had many friends for many reasons. He was a good guy. He is missed.
Jeffery Luhn
Dave was liked by all groups, cliques, teams, teachers. Etc. Think about it, can you remember anyone ever being unkind to him? I can't. His humor, positive energy, and creativity brought out the good in us.Dave was the first person that made me aware that there are Indian nations. He did this by doodling on a map, showing me where his people lived. You remember his cartoons and doodles, right? They often seemed like funny little drawings, but after I got interested in looking at them and listening to his narrative, I realized that there was depth and intellect in them. He was quite amazing.
I heard of his passing not long after it happened. These postings have given me and others an opportunity to recall him. He was a good human. Above all, that was his goal in life.
Patricia Anne Padilla
David was a super guy. He got along with everyone. Hearing that he passed away just can't believe it still.
Judi Foster (Davlin)
Dave and I were friends for so long. He and i dated for a few years while in school. He was a kind person and as i remember quite funny. So very talented in the art and writing dept. Always had drawings left for me. I have many fond memories of Dave. Im saddened to hear of his passing. I will always hold a special place in my heart for him. You were a great person David Ipina.
Kathryn Shaw
David and I went to the same church during high school. I remember him being bright, kind, funny and with servant leadership qualities. He was always there for others and shared many helpful and hopeful words. I was surprised when I heard he passed. I know he will be missed by all the lives he touched during his journey here on earth. I hope to see him again someday. It was a joy to be around him.