tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23982730100478019992024-03-13T01:00:21.464-07:00Seven Roads Artfine art and folk art with feeling and presenceGavrillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16703142545789828851noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398273010047801999.post-18549861478881447232011-02-26T13:52:00.000-08:002011-02-26T14:33:41.727-08:00San Francisco Xavier<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-m-b1euJaTDadPL50R-5xAQXu8uJj7iAENIx6elu_PbDlby4t7kPpGwoWjC8SzH51JTY43b5N1E15euQFBmCERQIgypuChsUsRbiaoa8UP3448SwXNYjZnLHOdmqqmjRy-tIvD06TMI5p/s1600/IMG_1385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-m-b1euJaTDadPL50R-5xAQXu8uJj7iAENIx6elu_PbDlby4t7kPpGwoWjC8SzH51JTY43b5N1E15euQFBmCERQIgypuChsUsRbiaoa8UP3448SwXNYjZnLHOdmqqmjRy-tIvD06TMI5p/s320/IMG_1385.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A version of the Virgin Mary</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table>In Hispanic Catholic tradition a bulto is a carved statue of a saint as opposed to an image of a saint or santo painted on a flat board (retablo). The bulto shown above is carved in cottonwood root and sealed with a coating Plaster of Paris with a final coat of latex paint. Traditionally, in creating a santo, gypsum was mixed with hand made rabbit hide glue and brushed over cottonwood to fill in imperfections in the wood. After several coats and a vigorus sanding with a coarse material, usually a rock, the santo was painted with hand made pigments of natural materials.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhU27svZhel0ioqr7eC7MQuR39xWavTTlSAXsGNHKEb8-ne__PoycOKFWI4gKKHqWfB34kyBb-JrAky3HWu9clMo4-kPTFRbTHaVPxVFGAWwkanvq1t91dLHjCyBcPk4dIugDIdqPS9jiR/s1600/IMG_3680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhU27svZhel0ioqr7eC7MQuR39xWavTTlSAXsGNHKEb8-ne__PoycOKFWI4gKKHqWfB34kyBb-JrAky3HWu9clMo4-kPTFRbTHaVPxVFGAWwkanvq1t91dLHjCyBcPk4dIugDIdqPS9jiR/s320/IMG_3680.JPG" width="119" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">San Francisco Xavier</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Saint Francis Xavier was a student at the University of Paris and "one of the first companions" <b><span style="font-size: xx-small;">1</span></b> of Saint Ignatius of Loyola in the founding of the Jesuits.This bulto is carved of cottonwood root from the Verde River in Arizona and sealed with plaster such as the Virgin Mary above. The final coat is latex paint. It is a faithful reproduction of a similar bulto by the artist's teacher, Howard Shupe, whose restrained comment on the copy was "you did good." <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3jccZA66BtGkDZJKQwhtJn-m0shGWgGp5dqlaBDaNpUhIRknjbOleigKwyclkHJSnYswbWB5e2nvTvjNwNQ8WEt39D7WnYCHqGYqMbRNYl9nylseh9OJIVOETE8EYC30MJqJzb2pqaRU/s1600/IMG_3682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3jccZA66BtGkDZJKQwhtJn-m0shGWgGp5dqlaBDaNpUhIRknjbOleigKwyclkHJSnYswbWB5e2nvTvjNwNQ8WEt39D7WnYCHqGYqMbRNYl9nylseh9OJIVOETE8EYC30MJqJzb2pqaRU/s320/IMG_3682.JPG" width="134" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St, Francis Xavier by Howard Shupe</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table>The St.Francis Xavier reproduction will be offered for sale on the Seven Roads Gallery Website under the category <i>folk art.</i><br />
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<i>1.Santos and Saints by Thomas J. Steele S.J. </i>Ancient City Press, 1994<i> </i>Gavrillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16703142545789828851noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398273010047801999.post-48625709449167786362010-04-08T10:57:00.000-07:002010-04-08T11:03:20.334-07:00Counting Crows<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPhFeH6x_omQfcxWDLxZSXKWx_gPIoKyBwRFMi9C1PjvSVVJGXtcRmG6_n5Uc9aVAQ_E5DAK8PsNJBzSkY-JKm-NVCBzpZ2TAuttLUdsuXa3jzyBvyjV7L9wLDBvWVzeYcxY3ctfv8JPqg/s1600/IMG_3317.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPhFeH6x_omQfcxWDLxZSXKWx_gPIoKyBwRFMi9C1PjvSVVJGXtcRmG6_n5Uc9aVAQ_E5DAK8PsNJBzSkY-JKm-NVCBzpZ2TAuttLUdsuXa3jzyBvyjV7L9wLDBvWVzeYcxY3ctfv8JPqg/s320/IMG_3317.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457828565093350050" border="0" /></a><br />The final image of the most recent Linda L. Miller <span style="font-style: italic;">Crow Retablo</span> as it appears on her website <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">http;www.lindamillerart.com</span>.Gavrillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16703142545789828851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398273010047801999.post-41422337968635211412010-04-07T06:30:00.000-07:002010-04-08T11:07:06.531-07:00Folk Art Crow<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUzpMikNUXegNPO8aJMxMAqsWM6ugnC6tcwkzsxCyvkAEDE6xqw9PDELk_gvdNzBrOmmpB0gV0ZyFST4AqzsZZJIq3b84WNjGlkgJmsNv6Y6XFyOtmmR9jx73_e1nJytg6o9lD4kOaJjK/s1600/IMG_3315.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 216px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUzpMikNUXegNPO8aJMxMAqsWM6ugnC6tcwkzsxCyvkAEDE6xqw9PDELk_gvdNzBrOmmpB0gV0ZyFST4AqzsZZJIq3b84WNjGlkgJmsNv6Y6XFyOtmmR9jx73_e1nJytg6o9lD4kOaJjK/s320/IMG_3315.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457388218352985154" border="0" /></a>The primary difference between this Folk Art Crow <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">retablo</span> and the previous post is the frame color. The photograph is basic quality. Pressed for time, the shot is a quick one. The flash causes problems I expect and prefer to avoid. Upon further examination, I found the flash brings out the rustic texture of the wood. It reminds me of traveling I-17 in Arizona on trips up the mountains to Flagstaff. Often, I'd see a distant curtain of rain. Rainbows are a real treat. At sunset the razor thin line of orange at the horizon is indescribable.<br /><br />The crow above the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">retablo</span> is the first in a series I crafted. What started out as a symbolic tribute to my late adopted Menominee <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Indian</span> mother turned into a fetish. First came the Uncommon Crow, followed by Crow Magnum, Bite Size Crows, Albino Crow and an assortment of other geeky birds such as the Green Bay <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Quacker</span> and Old Coot.<br /><br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">retablo</span> will be offered for sale at the annual Amish quilt auction and sale to benefit the local Amish school near <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Readstown</span>, WI. If you'd like more info about the auction, e-mail me via<span style="font-style: italic;"> contact us</span> at the website. There's a variety of interesting items up for sale on the Saturday of the Memorial Day weekend .<br /><br />Most of the crows listed on the website have been put to work on fence posts or in the garden. A few Uncommon Crows and Bite Size Crows are stored away. Unfortunately, all the Crow Magnums were washed away in a June flood in 2008. Some diligent work by a neighbor retrieved all the escaped crows, however, they are too rustic for sale.<br /><br />After a discussion with the artist, she promises to complete several more simple <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">retablos</span> with the farm animal focus. Individual <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">portraits</span> of chickens, pigs and more.Gavrillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16703142545789828851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398273010047801999.post-2943829067137803772010-03-16T15:37:00.001-07:002010-04-08T11:07:59.198-07:00Folk Art Crows<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyeHPqmj6Px9Upayxp9mdqOxEw7ZC_DGaeWLMtcxtWtQPIE0qg5TWbafEpXSzQko2mxbgP1HAeenKtk7mgdE_MwM0zOdWcjD60TPsNgtzK0If2_D8w-TZuLWhREWaGjpgIiLJWlbJEXGOa/s1600-h/IMG_3285.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 342px; height: 325px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyeHPqmj6Px9Upayxp9mdqOxEw7ZC_DGaeWLMtcxtWtQPIE0qg5TWbafEpXSzQko2mxbgP1HAeenKtk7mgdE_MwM0zOdWcjD60TPsNgtzK0If2_D8w-TZuLWhREWaGjpgIiLJWlbJEXGOa/s200/IMG_3285.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449364795258437362" border="0" /></a>For the most part, this is the finished product begun several weeks ago. A bit of work on the letters and finding the right color for the frame are the final steps. Artist Linda Miller worked some clever details into this depiction of a classic children's rhyme.<br /><br />The two crows in the foreground might lead one to think they foretell mirth, however, in reality there are three additional crows off in the distance. If you believe, as we do, that the first glance of crows in the morning portends the course of your day, then five crows tell of riches or wealth. The Chinese believe a merchant's first customer is an indicator of the course of business for that day. For example, a happy customer who makes a large purchase will give the merchant faith that the remainder of the day will be a fruitful one.<br /><br />Often, when traveling gravel back roads across ridgetops on my way to purchase organic eggs or raw milk from one of the many Amish farmers in the area, I'll slow my car to count crows in a corn field.Gavrillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16703142545789828851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398273010047801999.post-75481224132143976212010-03-09T14:31:00.000-08:002010-04-08T11:08:59.308-07:00Folk Art Retablo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LgHpD7SdqICgJp0RJ7KIaOWVD5Ux9oH1ffxr6ZVLtxVVpAMObhhbLYjSnN4WwNlKCInbUpUadL5suz5C9w-C_hxnyhtN1aw7v7YWX1A2tO5q_1gmVGB6a56osoN_6smWxaZX0idDXDl2/s1600-h/IMG_3284.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LgHpD7SdqICgJp0RJ7KIaOWVD5Ux9oH1ffxr6ZVLtxVVpAMObhhbLYjSnN4WwNlKCInbUpUadL5suz5C9w-C_hxnyhtN1aw7v7YWX1A2tO5q_1gmVGB6a56osoN_6smWxaZX0idDXDl2/s200/IMG_3284.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446766459287005874" border="0" /></a>We're excited about a new piece, because it includes old materials with modern techniques to create an antique look and feeling painting. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Retablo</span> is a Hispanic word which simply translates to flat board.<br /><br />Approximately ten years ago, we operated a trading post in Flagstaff, AZ called Wolf and Swan Company. It was the same company as Seven Roads Gallery but under Arizona laws of incorporation we were required to register as a foreign corporation with offices in Wisconsin. We gave it a name different from the parent corporation. In Arizona there are many Hispanic and Native American influences. We developed a close association with a<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>well known<span style="font-style: italic;"> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Santero</span></span></span> (man who depicts <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">santos</span></span> or saint) and an interest in Hispanic Catholic art forms. .<br /><br />The two most popular forms Hispanic Catholic art depicting saints are<span style="font-style: italic;"> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">bultos</span></span> </span>and <span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">retablos</span></span></span>. The former are carved images in cottonwood root or similar material. The latter are painted images on boards.<br /><br />The process of creating a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">retablo</span></span> in the traditional method is time consuming. Our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">santero</span> used a combination of old fashioned and modern methods and materials. He'd start with a pine log and create a number of pine shakes with a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">froe</span>. Curious about his accuracy, I measured rough pine slabs he created and gifted me. They were all within an eighth of an inch from a standard 3/4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">ths</span> inch thick board. The rough pine board was sanded until only minor surface imperfections remained. Then, he'd fill in the imperfections with a mixture of water soluble glue and Plaster of Paris. A <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">santero</span> in earlier times mined his own gypsum and mixed it with homemade rabbit hide glue. Sanding before sandpaper meant sandstone or a similar rough stone. After the basics, a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">santero</span> working in the late 1800's would mix natural pigments from a variety of local sources. Our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">santero</span> used small jars of acrylic water soluble paint.<br /><br />From experience, artist Linda Miller has perfected techniques in painting images on wood. Her latest will be a series of folk art animals in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">retablo</span></span> format. She also uses modern materials and time tested techniques to create her folk art. The next few articles will document the process. The picture shows the beginning of a painting on board <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">retablo</span></span>. Three weathered pine boards from a fence at least a half century old are attached to a wood backing. The boards have a wealth of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">character from</span> years of outside wear in all seasons of Wisconsin weather. A simple frame surrounds the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">retablo</span> and a thin coat of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">gesso</span></span> is applied over the weathered boards. Then a thin coat of amber shellac is applied to bring out the rustic nature of the wood.<br /><br />Check with us soon to follow the progress of these <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">retablos</span></span>.Gavrillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16703142545789828851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398273010047801999.post-74522870882389799722009-12-23T14:20:00.000-08:002010-04-08T11:10:26.010-07:00Antique Cupboard<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5VeVoSCZz2jVYc6XPJ6rGzfVt3ETELl6cYh3zSe602mSND9hZYnG3dAuSucSVE_5GBLBSUNIXEkFe0fR567izaAwYDA-YxlYIZnH8sb3KzH3gMJUTAJRyPq_QuX_UkjImmhksHX3cDVEj/s1600-h/IMG_3093.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 188px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5VeVoSCZz2jVYc6XPJ6rGzfVt3ETELl6cYh3zSe602mSND9hZYnG3dAuSucSVE_5GBLBSUNIXEkFe0fR567izaAwYDA-YxlYIZnH8sb3KzH3gMJUTAJRyPq_QuX_UkjImmhksHX3cDVEj/s320/IMG_3093.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418561452701766946" border="0" /></a><br />To paraphrase the forward of a favorite book, "This cupboard took two years. It's not like I wasn't trying." The above picture is the inspiration for the cupboard below.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8qa2UsN6yzIbE7aY1vUHIEuUNCVBlC3K4BftmNU4i0AOjGN1mr7XtA1QhiYkOoP-ULZRwmy91mWV1NLOzhSyk1SEACt0m4N00-NueVi8Bp94vSEGZu1pQszI1_54aJ_saapfTXVsx0EOq/s1600-h/IMG_3136.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 258px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8qa2UsN6yzIbE7aY1vUHIEuUNCVBlC3K4BftmNU4i0AOjGN1mr7XtA1QhiYkOoP-ULZRwmy91mWV1NLOzhSyk1SEACt0m4N00-NueVi8Bp94vSEGZu1pQszI1_54aJ_saapfTXVsx0EOq/s320/IMG_3136.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418562867873539666" border="0" /></a>Truly an antique, the lumber for the shelves came from an old pine fence, the doors even older. Cut from the door of the girls bathroom of a one room Wisconsin schoolhouse, the cabinet/cupboard doors are completed with white porcelain knobs.<br /><br />This piece is currently in a private collection and will not be duplicated, if the four color finish could ever be matched. For more furniture examples please go to<span style="color: rgb(102, 255, 255);"> www.sevenroadsgallery.com</span>Gavrillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16703142545789828851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398273010047801999.post-6490507020767685032009-12-17T09:37:00.001-08:002010-04-08T11:10:59.292-07:00Hopi Kachinas<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNiQPdoukPlMcD7axk0mcfZVwpa_yPf3BeeUdGxAF7A0b9SLW_UV65F5tFJ0XMgQ8TM_TIC_3YNFheoarK-dvK7Z9Mzn2Cagqna1J4WRHNIbpZawQ9jq0ucKHGMhDdjorPxUXoNG768eKj/s1600-h/IMG_3099.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNiQPdoukPlMcD7axk0mcfZVwpa_yPf3BeeUdGxAF7A0b9SLW_UV65F5tFJ0XMgQ8TM_TIC_3YNFheoarK-dvK7Z9Mzn2Cagqna1J4WRHNIbpZawQ9jq0ucKHGMhDdjorPxUXoNG768eKj/s320/IMG_3099.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416262069480634498" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(click on image for a larger view)</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;">Hopi <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kachinas</span> by Gene <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Dalas</span> ca. 20000</span><br /></div><br />In the time we operated a trading post in old town Flagstaff, we had wonderful opportunities to look at and purchase handmade Hopi cottonwood root <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">kachinas</span>. A friendship with one carver who lived near Tuba City, AZ gave us access to a wide variety of his work. His 11 letter Hopi last name was shortened to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Dalas</span> in our meetings and conversations, however, he always signed each art work with his full name, Gene <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Dalasvuyouma</span><br /><br />In the above shot, one can see the sacred clown <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">kachina</span> off to the left in the background. The clown smiles broadly raising both arms appearing to display the "peace" symbol with it's fingers. In the immediate foreground, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Kyash</span> (parrot) stands to the left of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Tocha</span> (hummingbird) and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Tsil</span> (chili) <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">kachinas</span>. Nine, eight and eight inches high respectively, each <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">kachina</span> is a combination of traditional colors and natural wood. Both <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Kyash</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Tocha</span> hold a rattle in the left hand. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Tsil</span> holds carved chili peppers in both hands.<br /><br />In the late afternoon sun on a bookshelf in my office, the carvings bring me pleasant memories. My home at the time was in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Sedona</span>. Between home and Tuba City was a considerable distance. I'd get a phone call from Gene asking if I was interested in a new work. We'd agree to meet halfway at the lookout pull-off at the top of the switchback of Oak Creek Canyon. One such meeting took place after dark. I wait in the parking area for his car to pull up. When he finally arrived, we greet each other in eerie pitch black darkness. Gene comments about the nature of our meeting suggesting a better time and place. Until he mentioned it, it never occurred to me that to an onlooker, two men standing in the dark in the tall <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Ponderosa</span> pines looking into the open trunk of a car suggested something other than a purchase of a hand carved Hopi <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">kachina</span>.Gavrillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16703142545789828851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398273010047801999.post-85110911965723958302009-12-07T06:37:00.000-08:002010-04-08T11:11:53.014-07:00Hawk<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg75NbktJiUHTYrkaY_O5ORIIj8YaIWZIFwsh-b-gvifV5jblIcjPwWfxP41my2a20-Fx_1qpM_EP1jqhnPpSOWOJsAirfQVb0tPRHHXo8-Tlmb8nmWLo1Ab_gH0OXVIJgd1hwp4Lu7eNCc/s1600-h/IMG_3108.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 311px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg75NbktJiUHTYrkaY_O5ORIIj8YaIWZIFwsh-b-gvifV5jblIcjPwWfxP41my2a20-Fx_1qpM_EP1jqhnPpSOWOJsAirfQVb0tPRHHXo8-Tlmb8nmWLo1Ab_gH0OXVIJgd1hwp4Lu7eNCc/s320/IMG_3108.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412505924304791778" border="0" /></a><b> <span style="font-size:85%;">(click on image for larger view)</span><br />HAWK</b><br />18 inch diameter X 2.75 inches deep<br />acrylic on moose rawhide,<br />birch laminate drum frame<br /><br /></div>This newest work of art by artist Linda L. Miller-http:// www.lindamillerart.com-features an acrylic painting of the head of a hawk. Raptors such as these are common to the area of Wisconsin Linda Miller calls home. Painted on a moose rawhide, eighteen inch diameter drum, the work is an example of the depth and range of the artist's skill. It is work in process, since the final step toward completion will be traditional decorative elements such as trade wool, Czech, African, French and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Moroccan</span> glass beads, metal adornments and imitation hawk feathers.<br /><br />The completed piece will be listed on the folk art page of www <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">sevenroadsgallery</span>.comGavrillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16703142545789828851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398273010047801999.post-10852041406773878822009-03-12T15:50:00.000-07:002010-04-08T11:12:57.811-07:00Crows in Winter<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgOGKmK5eQVY9IY7zhW_96BS2b7wQWrSiEkeSjpn5G2ffhCpw_qWmJamEN1zMmLUmB7vf3BnWURtSGK-Q2lA876EFvedBWjSU_TcI1r_GwBzDjkFEWLXoWjGs1jXdEd2n9rVIULw6oGQtq/s1600-h/IMG_1049.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 222px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgOGKmK5eQVY9IY7zhW_96BS2b7wQWrSiEkeSjpn5G2ffhCpw_qWmJamEN1zMmLUmB7vf3BnWURtSGK-Q2lA876EFvedBWjSU_TcI1r_GwBzDjkFEWLXoWjGs1jXdEd2n9rVIULw6oGQtq/s320/IMG_1049.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312438430394927026" border="0" /></a>A perfect example of the depth and breath of artist Linda Miller's talent. Using a rustic cabinet door, she creates a traditional retablo ( plaster on board painting) to depict this Wisconsin winter scene. It measures 20X31 inches and is unframed, showing the primitive nature of the board on board construction of the old door.<br /><br />The crows gather at this spot in the early morning sun to pick over the remains of a deer carcass at the base of the tree growing on the side of this hill.Gavrillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16703142545789828851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398273010047801999.post-4394695913153445262009-03-12T15:15:00.000-07:002010-04-08T11:13:38.611-07:00Good Luck Gnome<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDqGPnBeudW682aDfcnq2VtmWMlUqWiB5oBzqWzlCMm06sg7ik56mtu1Zqo1Vzdg-Lwz2eLcVMKARA03SrXxc9fd9Oxf9Wa0mUw_9Qq9v485LCoNqqKhXXKsXcDMxNgUXv6MHZfDLYq6q/s1600-h/IMG_2625.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 168px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDqGPnBeudW682aDfcnq2VtmWMlUqWiB5oBzqWzlCMm06sg7ik56mtu1Zqo1Vzdg-Lwz2eLcVMKARA03SrXxc9fd9Oxf9Wa0mUw_9Qq9v485LCoNqqKhXXKsXcDMxNgUXv6MHZfDLYq6q/s200/IMG_2625.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312430009979383698" border="0" /></a>According to legend, gnomes are the guardians of treasure buried in the earth. These four jolly characters are created out of unusually shaped bottle gourds and individually painted. Artist Linda Miller gives each <span style="font-style: italic;">good luck </span>gnome a unique character and facial expression. You'll notice that the gnomes wear the same size shoes. Living at the base of a tree in a cozy space warmed by a wood fire, if there were to be a middle of the night blaze, they wouldn't have to search for their own shoes.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTOWsVoESF_1OlpmJAkWlCc5Aqh-0uZGID2lhvcUcRhNb0KXRYe24-HP1cjRR4dA7lZfE3UlFVN-cXetP7UwkdTfCdOIxX4cC5IWSi-UoWP0bn-UF8Gi6hY04N3UMp3-6rAR3Cm9roj7C/s1600-h/IMG_2591.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTOWsVoESF_1OlpmJAkWlCc5Aqh-0uZGID2lhvcUcRhNb0KXRYe24-HP1cjRR4dA7lZfE3UlFVN-cXetP7UwkdTfCdOIxX4cC5IWSi-UoWP0bn-UF8Gi6hY04N3UMp3-6rAR3Cm9roj7C/s320/IMG_2591.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312432454395091634" border="0" /></a><br />Newton Ulm pictured at right sports a rather glum expression. Since he's the Grand Master gnome in his area the weight of responsibility lies squarely on his shoulders.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkLalCCADTBaP8KuDMuBXITOvd27nIXfqF3qz4SWcF7r5vJ5EBSZ19JgKFVuILkkxHlvL-y5EirUd-CegjzOn5vkYXE7utiSPxQu_KfYU-eZL6Tv6bznlXXNMyv9fYuIkC6Hs1iG54DrA_/s1600-h/IMG_2555.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkLalCCADTBaP8KuDMuBXITOvd27nIXfqF3qz4SWcF7r5vJ5EBSZ19JgKFVuILkkxHlvL-y5EirUd-CegjzOn5vkYXE7utiSPxQu_KfYU-eZL6Tv6bznlXXNMyv9fYuIkC6Hs1iG54DrA_/s320/IMG_2555.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312434205437194082" border="0" /></a>In the group photo at left,<br />Wayne Snut<br />(Snoot) and the boys are sharing a pint o' stout with the neighbor-a bite size crow. That would account for the ample girth and large gold buckled belt, they wear to keep their breeches from falling to their knees.Gavrillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16703142545789828851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398273010047801999.post-85676114945663483682009-03-12T09:00:00.000-07:002009-03-12T09:37:46.055-07:00Spirits of Crows, Dancing<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSeYRcJAoUGcnfgHO-vGB5YJOo4TAYZ3zSP8ZstmTMQfxoRj4wOyB3F5238Lh2yZ8q7U8_PuB_WAuAD2VDXujlllF1jlNmt34OofjYROqPDEp1K33265toj6-nTZMASYLzJCWMFbvVFiS/s1600-h/IMG_2571.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 254px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSeYRcJAoUGcnfgHO-vGB5YJOo4TAYZ3zSP8ZstmTMQfxoRj4wOyB3F5238Lh2yZ8q7U8_PuB_WAuAD2VDXujlllF1jlNmt34OofjYROqPDEp1K33265toj6-nTZMASYLzJCWMFbvVFiS/s320/IMG_2571.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312334439434620466" border="0" /></a>Framed, measuring 23 1/4 X 29 inches this work is an unusual traditional rustic retablo format (plaster on wooden board). It was completed in December,2008 by artist Linda Miller. What follows is a description of the creation and inspiration for this piece. Once again it is a silent tribute to the late Gertie Sennett, Wisconsin poet and friend of the artist.<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />"When we moved to our present location, an old schoolhouse and the adjoining four and a half acres were vacant for five years. While the exterior showed new siding, a new roof and a fresh coat of paint, the interior and various outbuildings were in rough shape. The garage was used as a workshop and storage. In the main part of the garage, a barrel stove heated a poorly sealed room, big enough for two cars. The rear portion of the garage had a lift-up door that might have been used to store a riding mower. It had an abandoned gas heater in a rear corner. Before removing the gas heater, I looked inside and found three perfectly preserved bird skeletons. I assume the birds, looking for a warm spot in winter, found their way into the heater through a vent-pipe. As an amateur naturalist, I found the skeletons intriguing. I photographed them before disposing of their bodies. Years later they became the inspiration for this painting."</span>Gavrillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16703142545789828851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2398273010047801999.post-58162310389420781212009-03-12T08:37:00.000-07:002009-03-12T08:54:55.571-07:00Figure Study #6<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkeXubNbVKLyYj6TqKn3Qd5cIuRcw5yUvlhBptaPmQP04va-sVq7pDnlC8_P95XRLjq2EIZEERVLBOTiZEfPsR6L0oIWT45LhiqHt9EUhQM96GlXKOnxBL82Ui02JKPSKXgCFqx-kxB4Kz/s1600-h/IMG_2723.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 251px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkeXubNbVKLyYj6TqKn3Qd5cIuRcw5yUvlhBptaPmQP04va-sVq7pDnlC8_P95XRLjq2EIZEERVLBOTiZEfPsR6L0oIWT45LhiqHt9EUhQM96GlXKOnxBL82Ui02JKPSKXgCFqx-kxB4Kz/s320/IMG_2723.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312329904314292306" border="0" /></a>Unframed, measuring 16X20 this striking acrylic on canvas three color figure study was completed in February, 2009 by artist Linda Miller.Gavrillohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16703142545789828851noreply@blogger.com0