Much of western art from the 19th and 20th centuries portrays the American West in a romantic and idealized style, often glossing over the harsh conditions of life. “Home Sweet Home” is an effort to frame the Native American woman in a realistic setting. Her lodge reflects the rough reality of outdoor living – no paradise, little comfort and the bare minimum shelter to survive in an unfriendly environment. The small size emphasizes the central theme – life is hard.
Gone is the romance. Remaining is the reality of a hard life.
Her pose shows her braced against the harsh cold. She is somber, almost fearful.
She might be waiting for the return of her husband, gone too long, on a hunt, a raid, or a vision quest. She may be wondering when she will eat again or when a son or daughter will return.
What do you think is happening when you look at her somber expression? Do her eyes mirror the actuality of her life?
by Gale F. Trapp, 2012
Acrylic on hardboard, 5×9″
Sold – Prints available
excellent
Thank you.
Beautifully expressive.
Thank you.
Love your paintings and what is behind them!! Thank you for sharing!!
Thank for the kind words.
I’m still working through archives, but really enjoyed what you’ve shown and taught me today. Hugs Belinda
Thanks – hope you are feeling well today, I understand it’s been rough lately.
Trapper Gale
It has been rough truthfully and still is, but still smiling!!!
Glad to read you’re still smiling.
Trapper
The true west was not what Hollywood has made it, it was much more than that. Thanks for sharing your vision.
Thank you. I couldn’t agree more, Hollywood is entertaining, but it isn’t reality.