Native Americans

I have always been moved by the works of 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.

All major works come with a story about the historical significance of the piece. Please contact me for stories and more information .

Sioux Society
32 x 26.5
Batik With Gold Leaf
Frame of Reference

Valpore
20 x 16
Batik with Gold Leaf Background
Studio

Dust Maker
36 x 16
Batik with copper
Frame of Reference

Lizzie
Daughter of Long Wolf
24 x 20
Batik with Gold Leaf
Studio

Forget Me Not
24 x 16
Batik
Frame of Reference

Ute
31.5 x 18
Batik
Frame of Reference

Four Apache Scouts
25 x 25
Batik
Latigo and Lace

The Song of Mountain Chief
31.5 c 32.75
Batik
Authentic song of Mountain Chief included
Studio

Arrow Top Knot
‘Apsi-poch-kinnaiee’
Batik
24 x 34
Studio

Yellow Rock
12 x 9
Batik with Gold Leaf
Montana Miniatures
Bitterroot Frames

Fish Hawk
24 x 20
Batik
Grand Union
Fort Benton MT

Lazy Boy
34 x 24
Batik with Gold Leaf
Latigo and Lace

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

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
Latigo and Lace

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
Frame of Reference

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
Latigo and Lace

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
Latigo and Lace