On the heels of a successful launch earlier in the year,  AYA Optical  introduces two new Jim Yellowhawk styles from their unique collaboration. Featuring stunning ledger art, these eyewear styles pair Jim’s extraordinary artwork with handcrafted materials. Wakan and Dragonfly are modern designs made from high-quality acetate, bringing revered symbols from Lakota culture to the global marketplace.

Dragonfly is a striking new style featuring the Four Winds Design by Jim Yellowhawk in bright hues, in a combination of metal and acetate clubmaster frame. You are sure to leave a lasting impression, and maybe even strike up a conversation, with these frames adorned with Jim’s Four Wines artwork , symbolizing harmony amongst the four races of people. In gloss black acetate and silver or caramel acetate and gold. $185  

Photo of Wakan by Stephanie Seaton of Rez 13

Wakan is a stunning new metal frame featuring Jim Yellowhawk’s Sun is Life design.  Says Yellowhawk,” The yellow and red triangles represent butterflies, a powerful symbol of hope, transformation and connection, that carry our prayers to the creator. “ A classic frame that draws attention with its bold artistic  touches, Wakan is comfortable, versatile and a style standout. Wakan is available in matte black or matte brown. $185

As always, partial proceeds from the sale of this collection will be donated to communities in need.

About Jim Yellowhawk

Jim Yellowhawk comes from a family of artists from the Itazipco Band of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. He has been immersed in the art of his ancestors since his youth. A master of ledger art, collage, and modern mediums like neon light, and even dance, Jim’s art is a vivid celebration of culture, resilience, and storytelling. His work is rich with symbolism, featuring motifs like the eagle and buffalo, which reflect the circle of life and unity in Lakota culture. Jim’s work is deeply rooted in the tradition of Plains Indian ledger art, a narrative form that thrived from the 1860s to the 1920s and experienced a revival in the 1960s. Named for the ledger books that Plains Indians repurposed for canvases, ledger art tells stories and expresses cultural identity through drawings and paintings on cloth or paper.

The artwork of Jim Yellowhawk can be found in some of the most interesting corners of the world, including galleries and private collections worldwide.  A blanket design of his was featured last year online in Italian Photo Vogue, and his art now will be made available on five striking AYA optical frames.

“I am excited to be presenting more of Jim’s immense talent to the world with these new styles, and stretching AYA’s aesthetic to new heights.  Our first Jim Yellowhawk collaboration was an out- the-door success, launching at the Oyate Health Centre where Jim did art signings.  I can’t wait to launch these new styles with Jim May 24^th at OHC, in Rapid City South Dakota.” Carla D’Angelo, AYA founder.

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