Not What You Imagine |
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| November conjures more images of the Native people of North America than any other month. Serving as the commemoration of Native American Heritage Month, November also celebrates thanksgiving. These two events create a juxtaposition of imagery which naturally lends itself to discussion. | |
| In one instance, native people present images of themselves for a wider audience. In another, historical stereotypes abound. Not what you imagine was brought into existence to illustrate that the art of native people is not rooted in the hallmark images which abound in thanksgiving holiday decorations but in the reality of the native lifeway. | |
| Not What You Imagine brings three artists together who come from the same cultural tradition, the Eastern Band of Cherokee, but who utilize their artistic gift in a diverse execution of expression. | |
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Jenean
Hornbuckle uses landscapes in oils to
represent the Native American connection to the earth.
She grew up on the Qualla Boundary, also know as the Cherokee Indian Reservation. She holds a BFA from Western Carolina University. Jenean has exhibited at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian and has been instrumental in the development of the Seven Clans Art Guild in Cherokee. To contact the artist: PO Box 542, Cherokee, NC 28719 |
| Luzene
Hill uses abstracts to portray her reaction to issues from the
historic to the present.
"The body provides a means of exploring my relationship to the world. My work looks at sexuality and birthing, blurring the lines between conception and birth. Two acts that are intensely physical, yet sublimely mystical at the same time. Dichotomous human experiences that share the same contradictions, longing/fulfillment, restraint/release, vulnerability/strength." To contact the artist: 75 Ponce de Leon Avenue, #1104, Atlanta, GA 30308 |
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Davy
Arch uses
the tradition of wood sculpture to interpret our beliefs and oral
history.
He grew up on the Qualla Boundary where he learned to carve while working at the Oconaluftee Indian Village. His work has been shown throughout the country and he is noted for his storytelling. He teaches classes on Cherokee history and art to both adults and children. To contact the artist: PO Box 791, Cherokee, NC 28719 |
| All of these artists are connected by culture and I hope you experience a connection to Native American culture through their works. | |
| B. Lynne Harlan, Curator | |
