NORTH SOUTH EAST WEST

Acrylic | 59 x 34

“North South East West” is a composition in the artist’s current series of works from his “Both Sides” collection. It is inspired by the symbolism, shapes, and colors of traditional Native American culture. Among Native American cultures the environment and natural world is revered and worshipped. This reverence filters into every aspect of life. Through the use of Native American color symbolism, “North South East West” denotes the four cardinal directions.

White — White signifies the North cardinal direction from which the cold winds blow reminding us that we are happy to have seen the leaves fall again.

Yellow — Yellow symbolizes the South cardinal direction from which the warm winds blow as the Spring brings growth.

Red — Red is symbolic of the East cardinal direction where the sun rises and each day begins.

Black — Black denotes the cardinal direction West where the sun sets and we celebrate a successful day.

Green — The green diamond is representative of Mother Earth which carries us and everything we need.

Blue — Blue represents the sky that gives us air to breathe and the rain of life.

To create “North South East West” the artist painted on “both sides” of untreated canvas using a wet technique on one side and a dry technique on the other. Then, using a predetermined pattern, the canvas was cut into dozens of pieces. The artist then fashioned together a “new” painting by re-arranging the pieces so that both the wet and dry techniques from “both sides” of the canvas were now on top facing the viewer. He then glued all the newly assembled pieces onto a second piece of canvas to create the final composition. “North South East West” reminds and encourages viewers to respect and appreciate our environment in all regards including its rhythmic cycles of life.