Lot 214
Bonnie Halsey-Dutton (American, Contemporary). "Stories in Feather and Stone" watercolor and gouache on heavy-weight archival paper, 2009. Signature with date at lower right. A brilliant painting by Bonnie Halsey-Dutton depicting an elaborately plumed Native American war bonnet displaying a long cascade of eagle feathers beside several annular shields and the silhouette of a hand rendered in a style reminiscent of a petroglyph. In the words of the artist, "The need to record stories, whether in feather or stone, by leaving one's mark such as a fingerprint, handprint or carbon footprint is still something inherent to mankind." Boasting vibrant shades of scarlet, orange, and cerulean contrasted by the white and black of the feathers, this stunning piece is replete with impressive artistry as well as layers of historical and cultural meaning, all floated upon a backdrop painted by the artist to resemble bison hide. Size of painting: 11" W x 30" H (27.9 cm x 76.2 cm); of frame: 2.5" Deep x 15.5" W x 34.5" H (6.4 cm x 39.4 cm x 87.6 cm)
Halsey-Dutton has used shadowbox framing to underscore the cultural importance of the theme and suggest a treasured museum artifact. This piece is painted on heavy-weight archival watercolor paper, and the manner of paint application was intended to convey age and weathering. In addition, the paper's deckled edge further 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 has provided the following statement about this piece, "Now housed in a museum under glass, this Native American headdress holds stories which sadly have been lost over time. When created, each feather in this headdress told a story of bravery and accomplishment. Ceremonial as well as strengthening, the war bonnet invited the telling of the stories over and over again.
So, too, are the stories depicted on stone walls in the form of ancient petroglyphs. Their meaning lost over time. The rock wall carvings depicted in this painting have stood sentry for hundreds of years in the now Thermopolis, Wyoming area.
Despite the absence of concrete interpretation, much can still be 'read' by these images. Mankinds inherent need to show that 'I WAS HERE' remains evident. The need to record stories, whether in feather or stone, by leaving one's mark such as a fingerprint, handprint or carbon footprint is still something inherent to mankind."
About the artist: 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 at home and abroad.
Artist Statement: "Through painting, I investigate historic narratives and how they shape contemporary society. Human culture is complexly intertwined. Physical objects, along with humans themselves, continuously circumnavigate the earth. I believe that this cyclical process of interaction invites potential for new connections and increased cultural understanding. Holding PhD in Art History and Education from the University of Arizona, art history and world culture are my constant artistic muses and they also compel my life experiences."
Provenance: private Spearfish, South Dakota, USA collection
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#187224
- Condition: Overall excellent and demonstrates impressive artistry and technique. Signed and dated on lower 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 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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