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