Isaac Bignell is a Cree artist from The Pas Reserve, 400 miles north of Winnipeg, MB. After leaving The Pas, Isaac has lived in Winnipeg, Minneapolis and Vancouver. Basically a self-taught artist, Isaac has developed various techniques to achieve a distinctive artistic style which combines traditional images with innovative design and color combinations.
Series
59/99
Description
This limited edition print has been individually hand colored in acrylic by the artist, which gives each print an original quality.
Inscription on back: Robert Mancuso, a member of the Sioux Valley band, residing in Brandon, MB, has been developing his art since childhood. It is only recently, however, that he's been working in the native style, reflecting the spirituality that comes from the native view of things. He has undertaken native art classes at Brandon University that he says has greatly influenced his direction. He says it is like stepping through a new door into a world full of wonders waiting to be explored through his art. Contemporary native art is exciting and challenging to work in. He says 'it always has a horizon'. This picture, depicted in ink, represents the four elements showing the sun as fire, buffalo as earth, eagle as wind, and the lines as water. He has tried to convey the feeling of the spiritual force as it moves, with boldness across the vastness of the plains.
War Eagle 'Wanmdi Kecizapi'. Labeled by early historians as Yankton Sioux, War Eagle posed for the photographer wearing war shirt of the old style, quilled arm and shoulder bands, holding a tacked and quilled pipe. Prominent Sioux warriors were known to wear buffalo horn bonnets during dances and on war parties. (Harbaugh, P., 1982)
