This analysis of intensive interviews conducted with Indian and Applachian artists examines the lives of women and men of increasing economic means. The study explores the changing roles and power structure in decision-making, as affected by increasing economic independence. The style of this research is feminist in nature. Interviews are unstructured, allowing the interviewee to shape the course of the exchange. This method, more than traditional patriarchical approaches, guards against preconceived biases on the part of the interviewer. A list of references is included, as are three appendices--(1) Interview questions; (2) Results summary, and (3) Tribes sampled. (Author/DB)