Childlike Symbols

Castle Gardens PetroglyphAs an elementary art educator, I was impacted by the universal use of symbols my students incorporated into their art.  Particularly, happy symbols.  Happy houses with chimneys complete with curling smoke coming out the top.  Double storied (for lots of kids)  and windows with old-style cross-bar structure.  Ironically, when given a chance to design my own home, I built something very similar to those I have drawn from childhood.

People across the world have drawn simplified human form, such as that depicted.  Simple in form, but complex in meaning.

Taking a closer look

Close-up of Eagle feathers I often like to “zoom in” on a subject matter when I am painting.  To take it out of it’s scale and thus take out of context, adds focus to the composition in a new way.  It calls texture and design into stronger emphasis than merely rendering the subject matter.

It is vital we set aside time to take a closer look in this life, to examine the mundane.

Winter Count

Detail of Painting of Winter Count and Spear This painting is a detail from a painting inspired by a winter count by Baptiste Good.  This winter count records the Sioux history as passed forward through narrative drawings painted on an animal hide.   This record was passed down from generation to generation, along with the story that each symbol represented.  The count recorded from winter to winter.

As this year’s South Dakota winter drags on, it is clear to me why time passage would be counted by winters… survival of another winter is an accomplishment, even in today’s world of comfort.

I Am An American

Native American ProfileOur American culture is full of complexity.  It truly is a melting pot, yet individual cultures continue to hold fast to belief and tradition.

Of all the truly American cultures is the Native American culture.  All others have immigrated to America.  When asked, what I am, I chose to reply “American”, although my great grandparents and farther back came from Germany, England and Ireland.  Ironically, if I chose to identify with any of those, I am truly an outsider, as in traveling to those countries, I would not belong there.  I am an American.

Awards

Detail of a paintingIntrinsic motivation verses external reward.  People are wired differently as to why they do what they do.  The older I get, the more I realize the differences:  things are NOT just black and white… there is not just one answer.  It might be easier if it were, but that is not how it is!

Destiny

I am not sure IPainting about Palmology believe in destiny.  Is it all determined by our palm imprint or the position of the stars in the sky on a given date?   Is it in the stars or in ourselves…?

That Shakespeare was pretty insightful…  Speaking of: in a recent book I read entitled “The Rez” by Ian Frazier, he discusses Native American names.  As European influence impacted the Native American culture, ironic Indian names evolved such as William Shakes Spear.  Shakes Spear was an Arapaho interpreter in the 1890’s.

A Speck in Time

Images from the Lone Dog Wintercount The current series of art I am doing, constantly reminds me that we are but a speck in time.

The life we are currently living is such a small part of the time-line of mankind: mankind is but a small part of the history of the earth.

Although time separates us: mankind has a human connection that surpasses this.  Wants and needs, emotions and goals… symbols… are timeless.

Innovation

Winter Count ImageThe world is always presenting us with new things which alter our lives.

Think of things such as the wheel or domesticating the horse have forever changed civilization.  In the same way, technology has altered our world forever.  Ironic, though, that the notes, letters and diaries which record events of yesterday will not be a part of what future generations are able to tell about life in 2010.   As digital files are erased, so may be the era we are currently living out!

Rhythm

Native American Fetish“Bison Fetish” 18 x 18 Oil on Canvas

Life has a rhythm.  A beat by which we live our lives.  I feel this rhythm as I paint.  As I immerse myself in the thoughts which initiated the painting, the rhythm takes over, and I begin responding.  This is a favorite painting, as it evolved in this very way.

Native American symbolism is a strong influence in my most recent artwork.  The prevalence of this imagery in my region of the world can’t help but find it’s way into my painting.

Forcing change on culture

Detail from "Cultures Collide"

Culture evolves.  It is a deep-rooted transition into being, based on years of past practice.  To force a culture to change is nearly impossible,  in my opinion.  In US history, the Christian churches felt they were doing God’s work to descend on an established culture and “convert” them.  Religion is also an evolution in cultural practice.  I was made increasingly aware of this through Dan Brown’s book, The DaVinci Code.  To see how modern religion is a combination of many beliefs and gods was eye-opening to me.

To force rapid transition on a culture has gone on probably as long as man has ventured outside of his boundaries into the realm of anther’s.  Is what was done in the past a whole lot different than what is attempted to be done in the Middle East today?  Is it possible to force a culture to change rapidly?