Thunderbird Symbols
February 22, 2012
“Thunderbird Symbols”
24 x 30” Framed Oil Painting on Canvas
Various icons for the powerfully symbolic form of the Thunderbird are explored in this painting. The ultimate simplification of the Thunderbird symbol is a cross. This caused me to ponder the confusion the Christian cross symbol inevitably posed to the first Native Americans introduced to it. Cultural symbols very likely added to overall miscommunication.
Reminiscent of a time exposure on a camera, the mysteries of the cosmos are included in this image. This leaves me with the realization that life on this earth is but a blink in time.
Medicinal Prayer
February 11, 2012
I completed the Black Hills Stock Show, and met many interesting people; collectors, other artists, and the general public. It was a good experience, and led me to the next steps I will be undertaking. All amazing steps in this journey of being an artist.
“Medicinal Prayer”
12 x 12” Framed Oil Painting on Canvas
The primary imagery is drawn from the Medicine Wheel found in the Bighorn National Forest. Although the exact use and meaning of this early man-made formation is lost to time, it is still regarded as a place of ceremony and pilgrimage.
Man has made similar circular structures all over the world, showing an innate understanding of the power of the circle. Modern pilgrims, Native American and not, continue coming to the sacred site. Many bring prayer bundles, continuing to use it as a sacred site.
Story Inside a Sioux Tipi
January 25, 2012
Story Inside a Sioux Tipi
16 x 20” Framed Oil Painting on Canvas
The texture and converging lines of a buffalo hide teepee, or tipi, inspired this painting. I was captivated by the thought of how time was spent in this dwelling, and communal nature required. Long, cold Dakota nights were endured in such as a teepee, during which, the telling of cherished stories passed along tribal history from one generation to another. Symbolically, images from Plains Indians winter counts were juxtaposed into the heights of the teepee in this painting, to inspire the thought of the narrative manner in which culture was passed along before recorded history.
This painting will be available at the Black Hills Stock Show in Rapid City, January 27 – Feb. 4th. Look for my booth in the Civic Center Theatre lobby!
Ancient Markers
January 23, 2012
“Ancient Markers”
12 x 12 Framed Oil Painting on Canvas
Ancient man left his mark upon the earth in many ways that are available for modern man to ponder today. This painting is inspired by The Medicine Wheel in the Bighorn Mountains in Wyoming, superimposed with petroglyphs rock carvings found in another site called Castle Gardens, also in Wyoming. The nomadic people of yesteryear intrigue me, leaving an ancient reminiscent of the mere glimpse of time we are on this earth.
This painting is currently on exhibit at the Rapid City Civic Center. Look for the window display, hosted by the Artists of the Black Hills to see this and other artworks by this group of area professional artists.
Beneath the Surface
January 20, 2012
Beneath the Surface
21 x 24” Framed Oil Painting on Canvas
This painting is of a local landmark: Lookout Mountain. I enjoy a view of this mountain every morning outside my front door, with the sun rising to greet a new day.
Buying the land we built on, I was curious of the stories of what came before us. Was this a hunting spot? Most likely. Were there skirmishes? Perhaps. Nearby, there is an ancient buffalo jump, which I incorporated into the painting: one never knows what is just below the surface.
Sage Signals
January 19, 2012
“Sage Signals” 5 x 7” Oil on Canvas
A bundle of sage is commonly used to smudge, or purify in cleansing ceremonies. Also in this painting are ceremonial circles found in petroglyphs carvings believed to be shields as well as images from stone circles. These images are found through-out the world, but these particular images are inspired by those found in Wyoming. Believed to be signs or signals showing nomadic tribes hunting routes, they inspire the imagination and call to the innate for interpretation.
Sage has a double meaning: a plant, yes, but also a wise knowledge learned from time.
This painting will be available at the Black Hills Stock Show in Rapid City, January 27 – Feb. 4th. Look for my booth in the Civic Center Theatre lobby!
Shielded Petroglyph
January 18, 2012
“Shielded Petroglyph” 5 x 7” Oil on Canvas
The image in this work derives from an ancient petroglyphs rock carving, of a horned figure holding a shield emblazoned with the ever powerful circle. Infused with energy and color, this image suggests motion and the rapid passage of man’s time on this earth.
These rock carvings are engraved into the most fragile of rock and it is amazing that they are still intact to be viewed. Many have been protected or shielded from the elements, and many stand firm out in the open, daring fate.
This painting will be available at the Black Hills Stock Show in Rapid City, January 27 – Feb. 4th. Look for my booth in the Civic Center Theatre lobby!
Western Wear
January 17, 2012
“Western Wear”
12 x 24” Oil on Clayboard
This is a diversion from my usual symbolic imagery. I am looking at the icons in my region of the world, and not only do I see Native American influence, but the old west tradition as well. My series of paintings, entitled “Rendezvous” means a coming together of cultures, as seen in the old world rendezvous in America.
The romance of the old west along with the iconographic 1950’s westerns inspired a series of paintings. This western image continues to appear in the collective memory of all that is American.
This painting will be available at the Black Hills Stock Show in Rapid City, January 27 – Feb. 4th. Look for my booth in the Civic Center Theater lobby!
A Fine Pair
January 16, 2012
“A Fine Pair”
12 x 24”
Oil on Clayboard
Western finery and a play on words, this painting alludes to a compatible couple. The romance of the western wear such as cowboy boots and embroidered shirts are explored in this painting. Images from days past as well as the lively examples being sported today are just plain as fun as it gets!
This painting will be available at the Black Hills Stock Show in Rapid City, January 27 – Feb. 4th. Look for my booth in the Civic Center Theatre lobby!
Flaming Fandango
January 15, 2012
“Flaming Fandango”
12 x 24”
Oil on Clayboard
These cowboy boots are HOT, with images of horses and riders hidden in the flames. The Fandango is a Spanish dance of particular fire and liveliness, thus inspiration for the title. I really have had fun exploring the boots!
This painting will be available at the Black Hills Stock Show in Rapid City, January 27 – Feb. 4th. Look for my booth in the Civic Center Theater lobby!
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