Native Americans

I have always been moved by the works of Edward Curtis as well as other photographers from the late 19th century and early 20th century. They depict the changing world of the Native American culture. I am intrigued by the conviction and strength of the portraits during this era. When photographing my own reference material I attempt to capture the same spirit. Creating portraits in batik is especially rewarding.

Contact artist or gallery for information on these batiks

Willie Holy Frog and Big Turnips, Let the Show Begin!
32 x 30
Batik with Gold Leaf
The Russell
First Strike Auction
March 20, 2020

The Song of Mountain Chief
31.5 c 32.75
Batik
Authentic song of Mountain Chief included
Night of Artists
Briscoe Museun
March 27, 28, 2020

Before the Dance
24 x 18
Batik
Out West Art Show

A Young Man's Dreams
22.5 x.18
Batik
Out West Art Show

Fish Hawk
24 x 20
Batik
Night of Artists
Briscoe Museun
March 27, 28, 2020

Tatanka Pteela
14.25 x 18
Batik

Striped Wolf
Batik with gold leaf
18.5 x 15
Night of Artists
Briscoe Museun
March 27, 28, 2020

Arrow Maker
23.5 x 23
Batik with Gold Leaf
Night of Artists
Briscoe Museun
March 27, 28, 2020

Southwestern Blue Boy
Batik with gold leaf background and Imbossed Longhorns at the top
24 x 16

Lazy Boy
34 x 24
Batik with Gold Leaf

The four batiks below were a study in color. They are all 12.25 x 12.25 with gold leaf.
Creighton Block

Power
Red was often thought of as the color of war, and was a favorite color of many Native American tribes.They used of red paint as preparation for battle but it was also used for other occasions representing festivity or joy, or the sun, light, life, energy, or power. (Lewis, 2009)
Red was produced from clays containing oxides of iron, roots, berries, barks and beets.
https://anthropologylover.wordpress.com/2013/02/09/native-american-face-paint-customs- colors-designs/ https://www.warpaths2peacepipes.com/native-american-symbols/color-meanings- symbolism.htm

Harmony
The color green symbolizes endurance. Green is associated with harmony and is a great healing power and believed to improve vision. Green is the color associated with nature especially plants, hills, mountains, earth, summer and rain. green face paint was produced from moss or algae, flowers or berries.
https://anthropologylover.wordpress.com/2013/02/09/native-american-face-paint-customs- colors-designs/ https://www.warpaths2peacepipes.com/native-american-symbols/color-meanings- symbolism.htm

Water
Blue is the most sacred of all colors as it is the very essence of Inyan (Stone) who helped to create the world.
Today, Lakota people believe water is medicinal which originates from this ancient ideology. This is the impetus behind the current native resistance to “fracking” of major oil companies. This mining method is wreaking havoc with the earth just to obtain more oil and money.
Blue face paint also symbolizes wisdom and confidence and was produced from duck manure, clays, oxides, powdered azurite and lapis, sun flower seeds, berries and flowers
https://anthropologylover.wordpress.com/2013/02/09/native-american-face-paint- customs-colors-designs/ https://www.warpaths2peacepipes.com/native-american-symbols/color-meanings- symbolism.htm

Wisdom
Red is a color of the north and denotes perseverance, endurance, pureness, and wisdom of the White Hairs (reference to age).
Many Native American tribes used of red paint as preparation for battle but it was also used for other occasions representing festivity or joy, or the sun, light, life, energy, or power. (Lewis, 2009)
https://anthropologylover.wordpress.com/2013/02/09/native-american-face-paint-customs- colors-designs/ https://www.warpaths2peacepipes.com/native-american-symbols/color-meanings- symbolism.htm