“Thunderbird Vision” 12 x 36” Oil on Clayboard panel

In Native American culture, the transition to adulthood was often marked by a vision quest.  Seeking a vision was opening oneself to understanding the intended spiritual direction their life was intended to take, often associated with a guardian animal to show the way.  A vision quest was undertaken in isolation.  Upon returning to the tribe, the vision experience would often result in their name being changed to reflect the transformation.

Thunderbirds are held in great reverence in many Native American cultures.  This legendary bird was believed to possess supernatural strength, and that thunder was caused by the beating of the wings, resulting in wind.  Lightening was told to emanate from a Thunderbird’s eyes, and that it was very sacred.  The Thunderbird images incorporated into this painting are a compilation of many petroglyph images of Thunderbirds found in rock art, attributed to the Dakota and Chippewa tribes.

This painting is currently on exhibit at The Spearfish Arts Center, downtown Spearfish, SD.  Come in to see the gallery: there is all new work on display through out the space!