Lot 83
Bonnie Halsey-Dutton (American, Contemporary). "Bird of Thunder and Lightning" watercolor and gouache on paper, 2009. Signed and dated at bottom right. A magnificent homage to the importance of the Thunderbird among indigenous cultures by Bonnie Halsey-Dutton. The composition features Thunderbird motifs adorning a ceremonial beaded pipe bag as well as petroglyphs of stylized Thunderbirds inspired by various sites such as Jeffers Petroglyph Site in Minnesota. Furthermore, the Thunderbird beneath an arc was inspired by a Cheyenne petroglyph from the Southern Black Hills. Zigzag lightning streaks and a full moon also accompany the Thunderbird motif. Halsey-Dutton explains this juxtaposition as follows, "Coming from the sky, it (the thunderbird) is recognized as a Native American constellation as well as being credited as the source of thunder and lightning." Size of painting: 30" L x 11" W (76.2 cm x 27.9 cm) Size of shadowbox: 34.4" L x 15.4" W (87.4 cm x 39.1 cm)
This mesmerizing imagery is delineated in Halsey-Dutton's expressive manner and uniquely floated upon a backdrop that the artist faux-painted to resemble animal hide in a deep acrylic shadowbox frame. She has used shadowbox framing to underscore the cultural importance of the theme and suggest a treasured museum artifact. In addition, this piece is painted on heavy-weight archival watercolor paper, and the manner of paint application was intended to convey age and weathering. Furthermore, the paper's deckled edge also imbues the piece with a sense of history.
Bonnie Halsey-Dutton was born and raised in South Dakota and is inspired by the local cultures where she resides as well as their history. She draws connections between the American Bald Eagle and the Thunderbird in the text panel on the verso which begins, "Where does the Bald Eagle utilized as the national symbol of America come from? It is no big mystery when contemplating the importance of the Thunderbird in Native cultures. It must be remembered that the contributions which the first European settlers found in North America, and from which they borrowed liberally, is an important part of collective American heritage."
Bonnie Halsey-Dutton was born and raised in South Dakota and is inspired by the local cultures where she resides as well as their history. Dr. Halsey-Dutton is both a professional visual artist and a fine arts educator, holding a PhD in Art History and Education from the University of Arizona. She exhibits her artwork both nationally and internationally, and also teaches art education workshops at home and abroad.
Provenance: private Spearfish, South Dakota, USA collection
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#174352
- Condition: Overall excellent and demonstrates impressive artistry and technique. Signed and dated at bottom right. The artist has floated this painting in a deep clear acrylic shadowbox frame. The paper is mounted upon archival black foam core that has been permanently attached to a faux-painted heavy Masonite backing. Fit with suspension wire and ready to display. Halsey-Dutton's informative description and COA is attached to the verso of this piece.
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