Work in progress

TUTORIals

“In an eagle there is all the wisdom of the world.” — Lame Deer

[Source: St. Joseph’s Indian School]

“The waŋblí — eagle — is an important winged symbol for the Native American people. The eagle is the strongest and bravest of all birds. For this reason, Native Americans have chosen the eagle and its feathers as a symbol of what is highest, bravest, strongest and holiest.” [Source: St. Joseph’s Indian School]

“In the Native American culture, eagle feathers are given to another in honor, and the feathers are worn with dignity and pride. They are treated with great respect.” [Source: St. Joseph’s Indian School]

“When an eagle feather is dropped during a Native American dance, a special ceremony is performed to pick it up again, and the owner is careful to never drop it again.” [Source: St. Joseph’s Indian School]

“An eagle feather is also used to adorn the sacred pipe because it is a symbol of the Great Spirit who is above all and from whom all strength and power flows.” [Source: St. Joseph’s Indian School]

I am moving toward a more ethereal sensation for this painting. My consideration is to employ the illusions of transparencies and textural ambiguities to achieve this more “spiritual” or “otherworldly” interpretation. The eagle now has taken on a less literal appearance as I evaluate this direction.

I have started a simultaneous painting of the wolf spirit animal. The eagle painting shows the changes in color and saturation as I work through the best way to depict the earthly/spiritual connection I intend. (11-30-22)