Description
The Native American people are a favorite subject of mine. Drawn to them both for their handsome features and highly individualized aesthetic, but also in another harder to describe way. I often pull inspiration from historic photographs. I know almost nothing about these individuals but what insight can be gained through their collective histories and the stories written on their faces. In them I see the trials and tribulations of every generation, with sorrow unique to none yet only their own, where also resides a deep resolve and strength.
This particular portrait was inspired by the photograph of Pretty Nose by Laton Alton Huffman. I found her countenance particularly striking and imagined a similarity with the fiercely controlled and confident aspect of Michelangelo’s David. After completing the sculpture I found that Pretty Nose was in fact a warrior. She fought in the Battle of Little Big Horn and was a war chief.
Hand carved in naturally fallen red oak.
