About Wocus Pocus
Wocus Pocus was founded in 2018 by Cholena (CC) Wright as a hobby and has grown into a passion project that Cholena carries out in their spare time.the name Wocus Pocus, is a play on words of the well-known phrase “hocus pocus”. The use of the word wocus is an ode to the Wocus (wokəs) flower, a yellow water-lily that grows in the high desert marshes of the Klamath Basin.It is a nod to the magic of cultural continuity and indigenous survivance.The wokas flower has been used by the Klamath for millenia as a source of food, basketweaving, natural dye, and many other traditional uses.In the summer, the seeds are harvested, parched, hulled and eaten. The wocus flower is an important symbol of cultural continuity and a sacred plant to the Klamath and Modoc people.
At first glance, many people think the name is a play on the popular term woke -- used to characterize leftist and progressive politics in the US. While I welcome this association, the original intent is to honor the heritage of the Klamath Tribes and acknowledge the importance of indigenous plants and resources. Which, if you think about it, is pretty woke. ︎
About Cholena
Cholena, aka CC (they/she) is a third-generation artist and jewelry maker.They take pride in the fact that their people, The Klamath, Modoc, and Northern Paiute have been artisans since time immemorial and work to carry on this legacy through their craft.
Cholena draws inspiration from family, community, and their culture as a Klamath, Modoc, and Northern Paiute person.
They make jewelry from a variety of materials and techniques, but enjoy working with beads and shells.
They often work with dentalium shells, pine nuts, and abalone.They use their artistic practice as healing and embodied sovereignty praxis.
Cholena believes that working with traditional materials and designs is an exercise in self-determination, and a way to offer abundance and beauty to those who support them.
Cholena is a Klamath Tribal citizen from Mbosaksawaas, or what is currently referred to as Chiloquin, Oregon.
They currently live and work in Portland, OR.
Outside of jewelry making, their interests include decolonial indigenous feminism, 2003 blockbuster hit Honey starring Jessica Alba, education, and politics, respectively.
Cholena is an alum of University of Oregon with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.
Cholena’s ?ewksiknii (Klamath) name is ?ols ?am bunwas.