Beautiful faces from long ago!

Hello, time to post again! Welcome to The Collection of Indigenous American Art. When I start to select the images for a display I do not look for perfect complete pictures, instead I look for beautiful features of a human face and a pleasing abstract composition in the overall work. These images do remind me of Abstract Expressionism. Please do remember that most of these prints are engraved on fossil stones of one type or another. The basic design is largely that of some creature that existed many millennium ago. This fact does give each print a unique identity. Many of the stones have other carving as well. This may create another separate art work, such as a picture that has nothing to do with the graphic image. There are also Effigy stones that are sculpture in the round, these usually reflect a human or animal motif.

The study of art forms...

I would like to explain in this weeks post that my college degree is in Art Education. I am a graphic artist, not an Anthropologist or an Archeologist. My interest in the art work of the indigenous American peoples is purely a product of having been exposed to primitive art forms in my childhood. Throughout my life I have enjoyed the study of the great societies that preceded “Our America the Beautiful”. Today many graphic artist are studding the history of early artist to gain in-site into what art actually is. The study of art forms is central to both Anthropology and Archeology. In many cases written languages have evolved from drawings and symbols created by artist. This blog publishes information about the origin of customs and language. In addition to this we are looking at the source of printing technology! I hope that you find these pages interesting and informative and that you will return to view each week.

Matting and Framing ...

Welcome to another post here at The Collection of Indigenous American Art. Some viewers have ask me to make the prints larger here on the blog page. I have no problem with that, so in the feature I will go to a larger format. I think that they do look very nice in 8 x 10 or even 11 x 14. This is especially true if you are matting and framing for display. The larger the image is made, the more distance should be allowed for observation. If for instance you are in a confined space like a small room or office, a smaller work will view better than a larger print. A 4 x 6 would probably be about right. If the image is enlarged to say 11 x 14, then 12 to 15 feet would be about the minimum distance. I would like to see a group printed on stretched canvas. I do by all means think that they do make beautiful wall art and as I have said in the past, they are compatible with contemporary abstract art.

You are the Judge!

A friend of mine once told me that with respect to collecting things “It was knowing what to keep” and likewise “what to through away!” Then another friend added “but,with respect to rare art work, keep everything and allow many other people to do the judging as well.” Both of these individuals were correct in my way of thinking. When I began posting this blog I knew that I had found the proper place for the exhibitions. Now each week I could show you the best stones of the week! I do think that all artifacts should be protected but, if we keep worthless junk there isn't room for the really good work. Computer science is making it possible to share and learn at the same time. Many thousands of examples can be stored for review at any time. As I have said in the past you are welcome to make your own files here. It is my hope that this attitude will be shared as well and that we can further the study of Anthropology and Art History in the process.