“Apsaalooke – Children of the Large-Beaked Bird“

11 x 30” Watercolor and Gouache on Paper

Local lore takes on a reality that is or isn’t truth based. Nicknames are deserved and un-deserved.  A collective belief in something somehow makes it true.

The Native American tribe known as the Crow Indians call themselves “Apsaalooke”, meaning Children of the Large-Beaked Bird. French traders mistakenly translated the name to Crow, although this is not technically a correct translation.   The powerful large beaked bird was something fierce and magestic to the tribe: they did not equate this to a crow, but the name stuck.

I am utilizing the wonderful tool of the Internet with my art and to put my thoughts out there.  I am, however, keeping a wary eye on what this tool can do to a society.  Of any time in history, this information age has power beyond any which mankind has created thus far.  Ideas can be posted and stated as fact, which may or not have a realistic basis.  The power of stating an opinion and hitting “send” to every person in one’s address book has an incredible amount of power.  It had the power to get a president elected.  The same power, unleashed, can be the source of much mis-information and scaire tactics.  (And could, in essence, bring down the same president!) An opinion, I have decided as I am getting older (and wiser?) is like a coin… it has two sides!