Sacred Ground

The Great Spirit is in all things. He is in the air we breathe. The Great Spirit is our Father, but the Earth is our Mother. She nourishes us…..That which we put into the ground she returns to us.
— Big Thunder (Bedagi) Wabanaki Algonquin

The land is sacred. These words are at the core of your being. The land is our mother, the rivers our blood. Take our land away and we die. That is, the Indian in us dies.
— Mary Brave Bird

Sacred Ground
Gale F. Trapp, 2012

Treat the earth well. It was not given to you by your parents—it was loaned to you by your children.
— Indian proverb

The ground on which we stand is sacred ground. It is the blood of our ancestors.
— Plenty Coups, Crow

Art is a tough mistress

While I enjoyed this past weekend’s art show, it definitely reaffirmed my belief that art is a tough mistress. People stop, visit and tell you they like – sometimes even love your work – but they don’t always buy. Here in Oregon the economy is still rough and money is tight – not to be spent on non-essential items. And, it was obvious this weekend that money wasn’t being spent.

Personally, though, I count the Shady Cove Art Walk a success. Not only did I get positive feedback, but I also sold a recent piece, “Ambush at Buffalo Gap”, along with prints of “Santa’s Last Stop”. Finally, my work “Where is He?” (not yet shown on the blog) was featured on the brochure. I can’t ask for better publicity than that.

I love creating art, experimenting with new techniques, refining my skills and telling a story through images. Art and history are my passion and I’m grateful that I now have the time, energy and yes, money to pursue those dreams. Artists are often their own toughest critics, and I am no exception, especially when I compare myself to others, as there are so many truly talented and creative people. And yet, as I look over the collection of my work, I’m happy – my skill is developing, stories are being told, and I’m starting to believe that yes, I am an artist.

I’m looking forward to my next show in November.

Trapper Gale’s Wild West Show

I’m excited to take part in a new (to me) show, and I’ve got some fresh artwork to share. If you’re in the area and looking for a fun way to spend your day, stop by. I’d love to meet you.

9th Annual Shady Cove River Art Walk
Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 13 & 14.

The annual art walk, is located along the banks of the scenic Rogue River at Edgewater Inn, Hwy
62 & Rogue River Drive (next to the Shady Cove Bridge).
Open daily, free to the public, from 10 am to 5 pm.

The two-day event will include art by nationally acclaimed artists, music and a variety of catered foods.

Curiosity, The Buffalo
Mixed Media
Gale F. Trapp, 2013