Native American inspired Prints

Native American culture and the "old ways" teach me that the circle is of great importance, is Sacred, and to be respected. It represents the never-ending cycle of life in all living things. The drum, the circle around the fire, dream catchers, the Medicine Wheel, planets (at full face), you might think of many other things that are circles.

I have been to a lot of places in my lifetime, traveled near and far. I have been away from my city of birth and the family circle there for many years only to find myself cycling back to that place, it is time to go home, a place I thought I would never be again. Great Spirit had other plans.

Grandpop lived across the street from us in the house where he was born and died. I visited him and my grandmother and 2 Uncles very often and he introduced me to art when I was just a little person, probably about 6. He was a cartoonist who never pursued it professionally and was a multi-talented person. He came from a family whose rule was that the children had to play some instrument and my grandfather played the organ. I loved watching and listening to him.

My Grandmother lived in that house with my Grandfather until the day he died. She was a talented soul also. She played the organ, knitted, and worked in paint by numbers. She and I would sit for hours and paint or she would play the organ and I would listen to her. She taught me to knit when I was 9 years old, but I have no idea how to do it now and (don't tell anyone but I don't want to re-learn!) I also learned to play the organ around that age and no, I never stayed current with that either.

You know, some people use to give me conditional support and encouragement about being an artist. Told me that I should do something with my talent, but then also told me "You can't make a living from art. You need to have something to fall back on. You need a career that you can make money. Do the art as a hobby."

Confused and lost by this, i trudged a long time in a pretty impressive career path, never feeling fulfilled, never feeling complete. All along I perceived my artistic talent as a blessing and a curse. A blessing because art is a talent that not everyone has and for that I am truly grateful. A curse because it has been my only passion in my life. Because it's my only passion, it's hard to do anything else and feel truly satisfied. (I'm talking about career here) So I say thanks Grandpop and damn you Joe !(that was his name).

So something happened several years ago that has lead me here. A friend of mine "forced me" to enter an art show for beginners. My work was accepted. Now to this point in my career as an artist, I've participated in several shows and had a few solo shows. The first show that I had I practically sold out, only bringing back to my house a few pieces. I made more money than I could have imagined! It was a surprise I wouldn't mind repeating! I still participate in shows when I can.

In my time with Etsy, it has brought with it some good friends solid friends, back to myself, my spirit and artistic exposure that I wouldn't normally have had. My work is now all over the United States, Canada and Europe. How exciting is that? VERY.

My artistic style is heavily influenced by Native American traditions and teachings, and by the Mexican culture. Although I am not Native American nor am I of Mexican ancestry, I am honored to have many friends who are. I walk the "Red Road" and practice the Native American "old ways" as they are taught to me by an elder in the Eastern Band of Cherokee Nation. I am both proud of that and grateful to him for his guidance. I have grown spiritually in ways that I couldn't have imagined. Mote* my teacher, leader, brother has passed away recently..

So, if you like what you see and like it enough to buy it, I say thank you. I hope you enjoy my contribution to the art world.

The original paintings were done using mixed media pieces ( acrylics, pen, and ink, colored pencil) on watercolor paper).

If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to contact me. I love when people ask questions!

NOTES:
Unfortunately, we don't have a dog or a cat in the home. We do not smoke at all, no cigarettes, no pipes, no pot, no crack, no, no, and no. No one burns incense, candles or uses any colognes, perfumed products in, near, or around the house. Pretty boring eh? But note this, my work will come to you smelling like art! LOL (whatever that means!)The point is that if you have sensitivities to any products or scents, you won't find them on or around my art.

Proud member of the Worldwide Women Artists Organization (an international collective of women artists showing and selling our original work online) and the following teams on Etsy:
Boomers (BBEST) and regular contributor to the Native American forum thread.

Gracias, Wado (thank you in Spanish and Cherokee)
Kim