My humble attempt to capture the ancient spirit and lore of five of North America's greatest inhabitants and their relationship to the indigenous people.
The Coyote, or "The Trickster" as he's referred, is a dynamic character in Native American Mythologies. Whether he is playing the role of the heroic creator or a devious manipulator, Coyote shows us the beauty of the human spirit while teaching us not to take ourselves to seriously. Look closely at this piece and you'll notice a playfulness to it's rhythms and numerous placements of windows and stars, because Coyote is a bringer of insight and helps us laugh at the great cosmic joke, which is of course, on all of us.
The spirit of the bear is depicted in numerous indigenous cultures of North America. It's symbolism represents power, courage, freedom, protection, and motherhood amongst others. There is thought to be a great connection between bear and man. In this piece the power and longevity of the symbol of the bear is represented with many symbols gathered from many indigenous tribes as well as reflections from numerous North American travels. Consider it a celebration of the powerful, free spirit of the bear.
Elk Medicine is a medicine of love and protection. It is a love of gentle and respectful nature. The elk is brave, and will always stand between on coming danger and it's herd. The bull's mighty stance is that of the trees they live amongst with large strong antlers growing like branches from their heads. The various tribes of Sioux all had Elk Dreamer Societies. To be a member of these one would have to have a vision or dreams involving elk. Members of these societies often wore and used items with elk imagery on them. Look for some of this old imagery in "Elk Dreamer". Other images in the piece are inspired by my own research, experiences, dreams, and time spent in the majestic Rocky Mountain National Park.
The bison, or Tatanka, is at the core of Lakota culture. The bison was a provider of life for the Lakota and the two were linked both spiritually and physically. Through the battles for the west both the Natives and bison were victims of a cultural genocide and colonial progression. They declined as one. However with time the resurgence of the great animal has begun to grow and today faces a bright future. Explore this saga in "Rise of Bison".
Also depicted is the legend of the White Buffalo Calf Woman. She taught the Lakota people the mysteries of the earth and presented them with the sacred pipe, or Chanupa, the holiest of the Lakota worship symbols.
The legend of "Big Metal" originated when the Crow Indians first arrived in the area of Bighorn Canyon along the Montana, Wyoming boarder lands. While out on a hunting trip a stepfather and his stepson stood peering into the canyon. The evil stepfather pushed the boy into the canyon to fall to his death. The stepfather then returned to the tribe to say that that boy had headed home early and therefore was missing. Although search parties went out the boy was not found. The boy however had landed on an outcrop of cedars. He was rescued by seven bighorn sheep lead by their chief, Big Metal. Big Metal was a powerful being with horns and hooves made of iron. He gave the boy his powers and his name. The boy now possessed wisdom, sharp eyes, keen hearing, great strength, a strong heart and sure footedness. He returned to his tribe as "Big Iron" and became a great warrior and leader amongst the Crow people. The big horn is also associated with shamanism and the bringing of rain to the lands. Through the abundance of petroglyphs we see the importance and respect the Native Americans held for this powerful animal. Look closely and you'll see images of canyons, petroglyphs, and shamanic rains.
"It is not necessary for eagles to be crows"
-Sitting Bull