My name is Ramson Lomatewama and I’m a member of the Hopi tribe. I’m also a glass artist and writer, although I started my career as a middle-school teacher. But that’s only one half of my life. The other half is immersed in my culture. And I consider myself very fortunate to be able to live in two worlds.

“The Illness”: Inspired by actual events.
On January 6, 2017, I was diagnosed with clear cell renal carcinoma (kidney cancer) which had already spread (metastisized) to my right lung. The kidney was surgically removed in late February, but two lesions in the lung still remain. As of today, the lesions remain in the lung. I foresee another surgery taking place to remove them. In the meantime, I am on chemotherapy until then. The prognosis is promising. However, the time needed to recover from the surgery will be long term.

I will not be able to work with hot glass for a length of time that is unknown at this point.