Land Battle
36 x 12” Oil on Canvas
The title says it all. The bisons’ battle for survival against the cross-continental railroad is depicted in this painting.
Private Collection
Rendezvous Remembered
24 x 36” Watercolor on Clayboard
The abundance of items which were freely traded is the inspiration for this painting. In early American history, beaver populated the West and was in high demand in the East. Items such as trade beads and metal goods were desired and used as barter. The initial exchange of Native American and European cultures was a thing of wonder for both parties, and for awhile, it was beneficial for both. I feel it is worth remembering a time of harmony.
In creating these paintings, I am exploring ideas of globalization and world trade. Evidence of mankind’s trade between various cultures and continents continues to come to light. Trade continues, and essentially intertwines the contemporary economic world of today. To think each nation is separate and independent is perhaps a fallacy of thinking. We are all more connected than most of us realize.
Infinity
Infinity
4″ x 6″ Watercolor on Clayboard
The beauty of trade beads, handled and transported across the globe over the centuries is compelling imagery to me. This painting incorporates a strand of antique watermelon beads forming the symbol for infinity as it lays among a variety of other beads. Broken hanks of antique beads are symbolic within the piece, as well.
Dream of Running Free
Dream of Running Free
Watercolor on Paper 11 x 18″ Image Size
Imagery of a dream catcher is juxtaposed with imagery of a wild horse roundup in this watercolor painting by Bonnie Halsey-Dutton of Spearfish, SD. Images of Black Hills history infuse her work in a symbolic manner.
This painting is currently on display at The Dahl Fine Art Center in Rapid City, SD as a part of the Artists of the Black Hills Annual Show. This exhibit is open through September 6th, with an Artist Reception on Friday, August 15th. Unfortunately Bonnie won’t be able to attend the opening: she is back for another year at the University of Arizona, Tucson, working on a PhD in Art Education. See additional paintings by Bonnie at Prairie Edge Gallery, also in Rapid City, SD.
Treat the Earth Well
“Treat the Earth Well”
11 x 30” Watercolor and Gouache on Paper
The title explains the piece, and is a lesson for all. This artwork is an interpretation of an old saying which is attributed to a variety of different cultures, but equally as relevant: “Treat the earth well, for it is not yours: it is loaned to you by your children.”
A variety of symbols are included, largely that of a circle. A circle is a powerful form, with no beginning and no end. It represents the four directions as well as the circle of life. Within the Earth-form is an ancient shield adapted from one found at The Castle Gardens Site in Wyoming. Tellingly, several of the engravings at that site include turtle forms. In Native American lore, the turtle is legendary for bringing the earth to the people. A turtle also symbolized along life. I sent my husband off to Iraq with a turtle amulet, and it worked: he came back home alive!
Feel the earth and don’t irrevocably alter nature. We must do all what is in our power to protect the environment for future generations…. Remember: the earth does not belong to us: it is loaned to us by our children.
This painting is on display in the Artists of the Black Hills Annual Show, August 8 – September 6, 2014 at the Dahl Fine Art Center in Rapid City. Come by if you are in the area, to see outstanding artwork by artists from the Black Hills region!
http://www.thedahl.org/upcoming.html
Contact Improvisation
While during a semester abroad in Italy, I was exposed to the practice of contact improvisation. I was invited to observe and draw the practices, and I found it to be a most intriguing and unique experience. The dancers provided an opportunity for me to work from live action, and their practice space was in a beautifully restored chapel, complete with wood floors and an old fresco on the wall. These are some of my sketches and paintings that show renderings of some of their movements. I explored a variety of materials, approaches, and subject matter while in Orvieto. I was able to observe my friend, Francesca Ragno and her group of contact improvisation dancers, and sketched and drew them while they were in motion. Thank you Francesca and all!
Trade Beads Unearthed
Trade Beads Unearthed
11 x 17 Watercolor & Gouache on Paper
This painting reflects upon the reality that beads were used as a form of currency over the years. They originally were sold as strands, or hanks of beads, and then either by happenstance or by design, were separated and re-strung, mixing the beads. Time caused them to have their individual stories to tell, often being lost, re-found, re-purposed, and give a new story.
These beads imply they were long buried, and unearthed. The distress to the surface of the paper adds to the idea of the passage of time, and what that instigates. Something long forgotten, unearthed and newly appreciated once again. A metaphor for life, really.
This painting will be a part of the Artists of the Black Hills Annual Show at The Dahl Fine Arts Center in Rapid City, August 8 – Sept 6th. See: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Artists-of-the-Black-Hills/167141439996554
http://www.artistsoftheblackhills.com/MemberDetails.aspx?MemberID=36&SignatureArtist=Bonnie-Halsey-Dutton
http://www.thedahl.org/upcoming.html
Trade Entwined
Trade Entwined 12″ x 36″
Watercolor on Clayboard
One of two similar vertical paintings. I love the pattern and the intertwining pattern of the trade beads. A metaphor for life: it is all connected! I am nearing the end of my first year at the University of Arizona PhD program. It has gone by quickly, and I have learned a great deal. I am preparing for a 5-week study abroad in Orvieto, Italy through the month of June. So, be on the lookout for images and reflections from that experience. My oldest son graduates from from Emory Law in a week: My entire family will be together for a short time in Atlanta soon. Many wonderful things ahead.
Trade Submerged
Trade Submerged
12 x 12″ Watercolor on Clayboard
This color exploration started a new vein in the Trade Bead series: that of floating in water. It is the companion piece to the same sized warm color bead painting.
Chevron trade beads float alongside strands of watermelon beads and cobalt beads to the bottom of the body of water. Slowly drifting down… broken trade deals.
Trade Upset
Trade Upset
24″ x 36″ Watercolor on Clayboard
This is my favorite painting yet of my series of Trade Bead images. The beads suggest falling through water and slowly settling on the bottom.
The Lewis and Clark expedition reported a boat being upset and losing a cargo of trade beads. Many of the early trade beads were quite expensive during this time in history. They were highly valued for their beauty as well, being essentially an indicator of status and decorative embellishment. Traded for beaver pelts, where were essentially an indicator of status and decorative embellishment…