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 solely their own, where also resides a deep resolve and strength.
About this piece:
This portrait is not exactly a portrait as it is entirely imaginary. It’s not based on any historic photo or contemporary individual but is pulled from an imagination informed by these. She could be a timeless representation of the histories and life of a people but that the dandelions date her. Unlike the main subject of this work the dandelion is a more recent edition to our continent. It may have been brought in 1620 by the Pilgrims on the Mayflower, or by Jamestown settlers, or even earlier with the Spanish. The dandelion for me, is a symbol for the overlooked or under appreciated. It was once a prized cultivar grown for food, medicine and beauty. Today it is most often considered a nuisance to be removed. I like to imagine that the natives who experienced this plant first would have seen it with fresh, inquisitive eyes and appreciated it for all it has to offer.
Hand carved in naturally fallen red oak.
