Born in 1950, Kirby began painting professionally in his twenties. Sattler�s portraits have evolved over thirty years of perfecting the technique. He is not mainly concerned with being historically accurate, but instead tries to portray the spirituality of the sacred objects in his pictures, and the emotions behind the face paint. His art interpretations give a feeling of authenticity without being specific to a particular tribe.

Though Sattler himself is not a Native American, his art evolves from the history, ceremony, mythology, and spirituality of the Plains Indians. His detailed interpretations examine the inseparable relationship between the native people of the plains, and the natural world, reflecting a culture that had no hard line between the sacred and the mundane. Although Sattler is meticulous about creating true-to-life depictions of the clothing, artifacts and traditions of Native Americans, he is most concerned with capturing a sense of spirituality and reverence.

The Crow hat worn in the movie, “The Lone Ranger” was inspired by one of his paintings.