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.