John Louis Clarke facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Louis Clarke
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| Cutapuis | |
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| Born | May 10, 1881 Highwood, Montana, U.S.
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| Died | November 20, 1970 (aged 89) East Glacier, Montana, U.S.
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| Nationality | Blackfoot |
| Other names | Cut-a-puis, "Man Who Talks Not" |
| Occupation | Artist |
| Known for | Woodcarving, painting |
| Spouse(s) | Mary "Mamie" Simon |
| Children | 1 |
John Louis Clarke (whose Blackfoot name was Cutapuis) was a talented Blackfoot artist. He was born on May 10, 1881, and lived until November 20, 1970. John was known for his amazing woodcarvings and paintings, especially those showing wildlife from Glacier National Park. He was deaf and could not speak, which is why his Blackfoot name, "Cutapuis," means "The Man Who Talks Not."
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John Louis Clarke's Early Life
John Louis Clarke was born in Highwood, Montana, on May 10, 1881. His parents, Horace J. Clarke and Margaret First Kill, were both Blackfoot. Margaret was the daughter of Chief Stands Alone. John was one of eight children in his family.
His grandfather, Major Malcolm Clarke, was a fur trader in Montana. In 1869, an event involving his grandfather led to a conflict known as the Marias Massacre in 1870. During this time, John's father, Horace, was also seriously hurt.
Becoming Deaf and His Education
When John was two years old, he became deaf because of scarlet fever. This sickness also sadly took the lives of four of his brothers. Because he could not hear or speak, he was given the Blackfoot name "Cutapuis," meaning "Man Who Talks Not."
John started school in 1894 at the North Dakota School for the Deaf. He also attended other schools for deaf students, including the Montana Deaf and Dumb Asylum and the St. John's School for the Deaf. He later went to the Fort Shaw Indian Boarding School. Even though he learned wood carving in school, he never had formal art lessons.
Family Life and Moving to East Glacier
In 1888, while John was away at school, his family moved to Midvale, Montana. This place is now known as East Glacier Park Village. John's father, Horace, became an important Blackfoot leader. He helped with the treaty that gave Blackfoot lands to the United States government for the new national park.
In 1918, John married Mary "Mamie" Simon. They adopted one daughter together. His wife, Mamie, was also his business partner and helped him sell his artwork.
John Louis Clarke's Artistic Career
John returned to live and work in East Glacier between 1912 and 1913. Glacier National Park had just been created in 1910. John Clarke began working as a guide for tourists visiting the eastern parts of the park.
He opened his own art studio in what is now East Glacier Park Village. He worked there as an artist until he passed away in 1970. One of his notable art students was Albert Racine.
Famous Works and Recognition
John Clarke's sculptures became very well-known. One of his sculptures was even owned by Warren G. Harding, who was a U.S. President. This sculpture was displayed in the White House. In 1924, a very rich man named John D. Rockefeller bought four of John Clarke's sculptures.
In 1940, John Clarke was asked to create two large relief panels. When they were finished, each panel weighed more than a ton! Today, these two beautiful panels can be seen in the lobby of the Blackfeet Hospital. His artwork is also part of the collection at the Montana Historical Society.
