Description
David once again speaks from his heart with his paint and vivid colors. Color fills the canvas, flowing lightly along the edges and filling the figure in the center. The shades of red, yellow, and blue appeal to David, not only for their presence and vitality, but they also have deep symbolism. Red and blue are the colors of the earth and sky. These colors also represent make and female elements of rain in traditional Navajo mythology. His representational figures are always altered in such a way as to represent his culture, but to never violate Navajo tenets.
You can tell by his jewelry of tab necklace and earrings this wonderful mystic warrior is Navajo. He is returning home from a good hunt or even a war. There are several traditional symbols on his robe – hoof prints, mountains, buffalo and a sun. His horse displays a hand print and feather. These are all traditional representations used as prayers for success whether in hunting or in war between tribes.
Around his shoulders this warrior is wearing a beautiful buffalo robe which he has traded with a Plains Indian. With his eyes closed, he is giving thanks for the good trade of the robe. The depiction of the trade of the buffalo hide is symbolic of many trades of long ago when various tribes traded among each other for items they needed or wanted.
As this mighty warrior returns home, he is protected by the holy ones represented faintly in the background. The holy people are always there, just not always seen.
Although the subject of David’s paintings is not new, it is his mixture of symbolism and boldness the creates such a beauty and such visceral reactions in viewers. His art is creative and bold, but respectful.
Condition: Excellent – original – new in 2021
Provenance: Purchased directly from the artist