22 x 22, oil, @ Sue Favinger Smith 2010
A few weeks ago I wrote a post about how other artists used context to build a body of work. Since the broader context for my work is based on Paintings from the Oregon Outback, creating a series based upon Native American stories from the Pacific Northwest and Interior Western Deserts seemed a natural extension. The image above - "Raven Stealing the Hat from Fog Man", is the first in a new series based on Native American myth and stories.
The Raven stories were told throughout the Pacific Northwest by the First People. Raven was a trickster, always looking for an easy solution. In this story - Raven and the Tides - Raven wanted an easy way to get the food in the ocean. In his quest, he needed to steal the hat from Fog Man.
The different set of stories come from the Northern Paiutes, a group that thrived throughout Northern California, Northern Nevada, Eastern Oregon and into Idaho (and also provided most of our colorful history relating to Indian raids). They often revolve around Coyote and his older brother Wolf, along with Deer, Beaver, and a wonderful story about Crane and Frog which will be the source of my next painting in this series. What excites my imagination and resonates creatively with me is the idea that these stores are as current today as they were hundreds of years ago. They relate to codes of human behavior, what happens to tricksters, those who are overly proud or selfish, or foolish enough not to listen to their elders - ideas that resonate through every culture.
I hope you will enjoy this exploration with me of story, myth and the ancient spirits.
You've probably already realized that "Raven Stealing the Hat from Fog Man" isn't a traditional landscape like some of the images I've recently posted. And it's true, dealing with two distinctly different styles is a challenge and flies in the face of conventional wisdom. But I think of my two styles as opposite ends of a the same spectrum, moving from realism to abstract, but all centered upon the spirit of the landscape - which is not just topography, but memories, ancient people, and places in time.
These paintings will be part of the broader Ancestor Series and Mesa Series , focusing on figurative and landscape. When I was preparing for my Perception and Imagination show at High Desert Gallery in Bend, Oregon, last year, I wrote a few posts about it, and for those of you who are interested, here are the links to "Painting with Sharp Knives" and "Eruptions, Grasslands and Elephants - More Images From Perception and Imagination."
Sue- this piece is startlingly riveting. Such a strong departure from much of your work. I so love the gesture of it, the suggestion of mystical lore and the looseness of the brushwork.
It's very exciting to see.
Posted by: Bonnie Luria | July 28, 2010 at 04:17 PM
Love this!
Posted by: suzi smith | July 27, 2010 at 10:37 AM
Ok, I'm a little late in response.....
What an amazing concept you're pursuing. You're so right about the timelessness of Native American stories, and using them as a taking off point is wonderful. And it;s got you invigorated and inspired to boot!
Paint on! We'll be watching!
Posted by: TracyWall | July 25, 2010 at 09:14 AM
I agree with the other comments - this is lively, gestural brushstrokes and lovely palette - which capture the character of crow from the story you relate. And thankyou for all your wonderfully written posts. Being 60 and only now able to paint fulltime I find inspiration from your blog.
Posted by: bridget hunter | July 23, 2010 at 05:50 PM
Agree w earlier comments; this is terrific!
Posted by: Nina | July 21, 2010 at 04:59 AM
Sue,
That is a great image and I like the energy of the composition with the brushstrokes. I also like this series as I grew up in SW Oregon and have some Native American heritage. I look forward to future paintings in the series.
Posted by: John Garrett | July 18, 2010 at 01:19 PM
I love that painting. It may be off your normal comfort zone, but it's one of your best in my opinion.
Posted by: Peggy Guichu | July 18, 2010 at 12:47 PM
I love this painting! It has so much movement and emotion. I look forward to the next in the series.
Posted by: Sydney | July 18, 2010 at 09:51 AM
who wants to follow convention ;>D
I like this a lot - it will be interested to see the series develop
I too work in different ways - but 'me' is there throughout - and 'you' are still here in this
Posted by: vivien | July 18, 2010 at 06:57 AM
This piece is powerful and rich with texture and interest. Love the idea of the series and will be looking forward to the next one.
Posted by: JoAnn | July 18, 2010 at 03:54 AM