The Plainsmen Gallery’s annual Wildlife & Western Visions gathers nearly 75 works of Western and wildlife paintings, drawings and sculpture. Among the 23 artists featured in this year’s event are Steven Lang, Nicholas Coleman, Jim Eppler, Grant Hacking, Hyrum Joe, Grant Redden, Suzie Seerey-Lester, Geoffrey Smith, Terry Smith, Trevor Swanson, Ed Takacs, Robert Tate, Ezra Tucker and more.
David Yorke, Visions of Great Mystery, oil, 36 x 24”
Visions Of Great Mystery, an oil by David Yorke, is a powerful, entrancing scene of a Lakota chief bathed in deep, golden light. “[This piece] illustrates a Lakota chief preparing a ceremonial bison skull with painted symbols, representing various forces of nature. These supernatural images of earth and sky were associated with the Great Spirit and with rituals of prayer,” says Yorke. “I enjoy painting the interaction of light and shadow, and this particular subject presented many opposing design challenges, especially with the warm/cool color contrasts.”
Steven Lang, Miniconjou Sunset, oil, 32 x 32”
Victor Blakey, Let Freedom Reign, oil, 30 x 30”
Another painting in the exhibition is by Blakey’s Let Freedom Reign, which “depicts a proud warrior upon a high mountain top. He is a respected figure standing in the cold crisp air, master of all he sees,” says Blakey. “However, freedom is fragile. The painting reflects a moment in time before war and tragedy change his world forever. His weapon and shield demonstrate his power as a leader among men. The war bonnet sits on his head like a crown. At this point in time, freedom is his to enjoy.”
Ed Natiya, Wolf Brother, bronze, ed. of 15, 19½ x 22 x 10½”
Representing sculpture in the show is Ed Natiya’s bronze Wolf Brother, based on an Ojibwe oral story passed down through many generations. “The telling goes that in the beginning the Great Spirit ‘Gichi Manitou’ put ‘Anishinabe’ the Original Man down on the earth. He was given the task to go out, similar to Genesis, and name all the plants and animals. However, as a companion he was given ‘Ma’iingan,’ the Wolf. The Ojibwe used these stories to teach their children important lessons on cooperation and working together. So, at first, there was a lot of contention between the Man and the Wolf. But as each one dealt with different trials, [they] worked together to solve them. They became close like brothers,” says Natiya.
Collectors will have the opportunity to keenly explore these works and many others at the Plainsmen Gallery in Dunedin, Florida, from April 2 to 30. —
Upcoming Show
Up to 75 works
April 2-30, 2022
The Plainsmen Gallery
2141 Main Street, Dunedin, FL
(727) 734-8200, www.plainsmengallery.com
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