$446.25
In stock
Bonnie Halsey-Dutton (American, Contemporary). “Ancient Tie to the Bear” watercolor and gouache on heavy-weight archival paper, 2009. Signature and date at lower right. Signature, title, and date on verso. A striking painting by Bonnie Halsey-Dutton featuring a human figure wearing a tunic that is embellished with bear paw prints, joined by a human footprint within a larger human footprint and two images of bears inspired by a pictograph that Halsey-Dutton saw at the Wyoming Castle Gardens Petroglyph Site. A very special painting, replete with impressive artistry as well as layers of historical and cultural meaning, that is floated upon a backdrop painted by the artist to resemble bison hide and mounted within a deep acrylic shadowbox to underscore the cultural importance of the theme and suggest that the artwork itself is a treasured artifact. In addition, Halsey-Dutton’s manner of paint application is intended to convey age and weathering, and the paper’s deckled edge further imbues the piece with a sense of history. Size (painting): 30″ L x 11″ W (76.2 cm x 27.9 cm) Size (shadowbox): 34.4″ L x 15.4″ W x 2.7″ deep (87.4 cm x 39.1 cm x 6.9 cm)
Bonnie Halsey-Dutton was born and raised in South Dakota and is inspired by the local cultures where she resides as well as their history. She has written the following statement about this piece which is attached to the verso, “The Wyoming Castle Gardens Petroglyph Site images inspired this painting. While visiting the site, I saw a particularly compelling petroglyph engraving of a human figure with a tunic covered in bear footprint symbols. Many scholars believe that this is an ancient ceremonial site as many of the petroglyphs found there depict shields and abstract designs. Many of the petroglyphs are pecked into the rock, which many believe to be older markings, as well as engraved into the site rock walls.
The footprint in a footprint petroglyph depicted in the center of this painting could have many meanings, but the similarity to a five-toed bear print and a human footprint are interesting comparisons. When it comes down to ancient humans and bears, it begs contemplation as to which was the prey; probably both.
Also depicted in this painting and from the site are symbolic animal petroglyphs which are thought to have been created to ensure a successful hunt, or record one.”
Dr. Halsey-Dutton is both a professional visual artist and a fine arts educator, holding a PhD in Art History and Education from the University of Arizona. She exhibits her artwork both nationally and internationally, and also teaches art education workshops at home and abroad.
Condition: Overall excellent and demonstrates impressive artistry and technique. Signed and dated at bottom right. Signature, title, and date on verso. The artist has floated this painting in a deep clear acrylic shadowbox. The painting is mounted upon archival black foam core that has been attached to a Masonite backing that she painted to resemble buffalo hide. Halsey-Dutton’s informative description and COA is attached to the verso of this piece. The work is fit with suspension wire and ready to display.
Provenance: private Spearfish, South Dakota, USA collection
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