A child's world is fresh and new and beautiful, full of wonder and excitement. Life’s discovery consists of not seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes, eyes like a child. I am so pleased to introduce all four of these Native American children in one painting. I have been painting these children since 2005. Skye Blue, Thunder, Wylde and Breezy Summer. They are Diné (Navajo) with Mother’s clan being ‘Cliff Dwellers’ and Father’s clan being ‘Mud Clan’. Maternal Grandfather’s clan ‘Nooda’ which is Ute tribe and paternal Grandfather’s clan is ‘Chi’shii’ which is Chiriquaha Apache. These amazing outfits are all hand sewn and stitched by their Grandparents and Great Grandmother too! It took the family 18 months to craft these beautiful, elk hide outfit. The dresses and shirts are embellished with abalone shells for the girls, hammered silver for the boys. All with horsehair tassels that are the center of attention on the outfits. They are beaded with glass beads and cedar berries. The Navajo call these dried cedar berry beads Ghost Beads. The cedar berries are collected after ants have found the berries on the ground, nibbled off one end eaten the inside of the berry. The berries can be lightly smoked to further preserve them. The artisan then makes holes in the other end and the dried berries. The beads are strung in accordance with the harmony of nature. Cedar beads represent an interconnection of the earth, trees, animals and humans and they bring peace, harmony and safety to the wearer. They are a southwest tradition to protect one from evil spirits, ghosts and nightmares. The children are fascinated with this little creature that Skye is holding. The hedgehog got its name because of its peculiar foraging habits. They root through hedges and other undergrowth in search of their favorite food – small creatures such as insects, worms, centipedes, snails, mice, frogs, and snakes. As it moves through the hedges it emits pig-like grunts — thus, the name hedgehog. It symbolizes energy, defensiveness, defense, protection, fertility, intuition, psychic abilities, visions, vitality, protection, intelligence, resourcefulness, uniqueness, perception, calmness, curiosity, inner wisdom, resistance, endurance, etc. Hedgehogs are positive animals that symbolize happiness, motherhood, and calmness. They are loved by people because of their relaxed and non-aggressive behavior. Overall, hedgehogs are simply calm and relaxed creatures that symbolize everything that is positive in the world.

• Original Painting SOLD
• Limited Edition Giclée Prints - 32 x 40 | 24 x 30