Four Directions was inspired about 2 weeks ago. I’ve done multiple different paintings with the colors of the four directions. But this series is specific in color and direction. Each canvas is colorful but the middle of each there is either white, red, yellow or black. These colors represent north (white), east (yellow), south (red) and west (black). When placed together, they complete the four directions or can stand separately in their own specific direction. I am always inspired by the native teachings I learned as a being growing up in the world. I’ve found truth and understanding through the grounding process of creating such peices.
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As a kid/yound adult, my dad would leave every summer for about a week to head to South Dakota to take part in Sun Dance. Sun Dance is held in the summer out in the plains of the United States. Here, many people from different native backgrounds gather in what is to be one of, if not, the most sacred dance of ones life. They embark on a spiritual journey over the course of days in the hot enviorment with no food or water. They dance a sacred movement that carries them to Creator, usually in a big circle, dancing around in cycles. There is drumming, singing, and chanting. But most important, prayer and sacrifice. Through this sacred ceremony, one is close to Creator. Prayers of hope, support, growth, understanding, power, love and life are lifted out into the powerful realm of dance and ceremony. One sacrifices the gift of food and water to honor. But also his own flesh and blood. These acts of native tradition have been practiced for many, many generations. Over and over again, dancers return and perform the sacred Sun Dance. People since the beginning of time have sought out ways to be grounded and held in the grace of their God or Creator. Through these practices, man becomes one with Source and proceeds with a higher sense of self, purpose, life and understanding.
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My elders always told us that the lessons taught aren’t ours to own but are meant to be expressed out and passed on. Through creating these paintings, I’ve found a way to honor that and reflect on the sacrifice of those who dance and the neverending connection of all things.
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