Spirit War - Ghost Shirt

Spirit War, 30 x 40, oil on canvas

American Indian prophet, Wovoka, began the Ghost Dance religion in an attempt to bring peace between the Indians and the Whites. It brought together element of Paiute, Christian, Shaker and Mormon religions.  From the latter, Wavoka made use of the Mormon Endowment Robe, a robe "emblazoned with sacred symbols… reputed to protect the wearer from Satan and physical harm"
The Ghost Shirt is painted with symbols as a prayer to ask for natures help in restoring Peace and Abundance. The shirt was also said to protect the wearer from bullets.

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Indian

Indian, 22 x 28, oil on canvas

Indian was painted in honor of America's Pioneer Motorcycle, The Indian, which was first manufactured in 1901.
With this painting I am revisiting a series of artwork I did several years ago which included  figures along with product logos using American Indian images in the background

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To the Victor

To The Victor, 36 x 30, oil on canvas

This painting shows a Plains Indian with a half-painted face wearing eagle feathers, a beaded shirt with Hair Drops and carrying a shield
Hair Drops are tufts of hair used to decorate shirts, leggings, robes and other items, It is said that they were first made from scalp hair but later horse hair was substituted

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Heart of Courage

Heart of Courage, 36 x 36, oil on linen.

We've all seen old photos of American Indians in uniforms.There are many reasons for that. Of course we remember the scene from Dances with Wolves where the 'discarded' coat was pick up and became the possession of the new owner.
After a battle useful items would be taken including clothing. Not only was it practical but the items would be a sign of Victory.
Surplus military clothing was also given to the Indians when there were put on reservations.
And most importantly, lets not forget that the American Indians have fought in every war that this country has had.

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Assiniboine Amulet

Assiniboine Amulet, 8 x 10, oil on canvas

Small leather medicine pouches or amulets were made by the Plains Indians and worn around the neck or attached to clothing or shields. These bags could be plain or decorated with beads, shells etc. It's what was inside the bag that was most important. These small bags would contain protection, luck, and healing power. Stones, feathers, metal, animals claws or teeth, and herbs may be placed in these bags. Each was personal to its owner and would contain items that were significant to the individual.

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Eagle Medicine

Eagle Medicine, 12 x 9, oil on canvas. 

I've been painting some large and complicated paintings lately and felt the need to paint something small.
This is a beaded amulet that would be worn as a necklace or in the hair. It could also be attached to a shield or a shirt. The Eagle talons were used as means to be connected with the eagle who was a messenger to the spirit world.

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A Time of Honor

A Time of Honor, 36 x 30, oil on canvas

This modern day American Indian is wearing a Mop Top, Feathered Hat or also called Mandan Headdress. The origin of this hat comes from the Dog Men or Dog Soldiers The Dog Soldier was a common society amongst most of the Northern Plains tribes throughout the 18th century. As most societies which exsisted, it was exclusive to those who proved their worth both on and off the battlefield. 

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We are the Dreamer of Dreams

We are the Dreamer of Dreams, 36 x 36, oil on canvas

I created this painting in 1999. It appeared in South West Art magazine that same year. I still get phone calls about it. I wish all my paintings were this popular.

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The Birds at Lovetts Gallery

The Crow Whispers My Name, 20 x 30, oil on linen

Another opening, Another show at Lovetts Gallery

The Farm Shopping Center, 6528 E 51st St, Tulsa, OK 74145
(918) 664-4732
October 24, 2015

The Birds

An exhibition of original works of birds, about birds and inspired by the Hitchcock classic (though not necessarily all of the above).

Exhibition opens Saturday, October 24th, 2015, 10:00 - 5:00

We Must Walk the Path

We Must Walk the Path, 8 x 10, oil on board

These beaded and quilled moccasins are trimmed with red Trade Cloth. This wool was originally used in trade by the fur traders to obtain beaver pelts from the American Indians

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The Heart Fears Nothing

The Heart Fears Nothing, 40 x 30, oil on canvas

American Indians painted their faces for many reasons: Protection from the sun, ceremonial, personal recognition and others
Here, he wears white paint, white being the color of light, life and the Southeast - where the Sun rises with life-renewing power. The heavy white paint or clay is a prayer for long life.

The lines of flesh represent the straight roads that lead to the Great Spirit

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Eyes of Wisdom

Eyes of Wisdom, 18 x 24, oil on linen

This painting depicts and older woman wearing a dress made of red trade cloth. The dress is adorned with elk teeth and beads.

Trade Cloth was first introduced to American Indians during the late 1700's. Trading posts were established across the country and European textiles were traded for furs and animal skins.  Making clothes from buffalo hides or deerskin was a long and difficult process. Trade Cloth became a highly desirable commodity as it was much easier to cut and sew.

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Ration Ticket Bag - American Indian

Ration Ticket Bag, 9 x 12, oil on canvas

Beaded pouches, rectangular in shape, decorated with tinkling cones or fringe and having short flaps, were used through the 1800's  to carry a strike-a-light steel, a flint, matches and often ration coupons
With each treaty signed between the Indian tribes and the US Government, rations of food were promised. The usual practise was to give each head of family a ration ticket, with the number of rations he was entitled to, at the start of each quarter. These were presented to the agency warehouse each Saturday, the ticket was punched and rations were given out.
The rationed varied over time but often consisted of beef, flour and pork with the occasional coffee sugar,  soap and tobacco.

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