This is the first piece in a series of artwork that is still ongoing (which I am working on over an uncertain length of time). Featuring anthropomorphic characterizations of North American wildlife and influenced by Native American Indian craft and culture, I hope to compile a ‘ortfolio’ (at the moment tentatively titled ‘Native Spirits’ that will eventually go on sale. I remember mentioning a long while back now, in a different corner of the web, that this portfolio aims to go by a ‘spiritual, folklore and matters of the heart’ kind of theme. The art direction is something different to what I usually do, and this is actually quite a leap for me. I don’t usually concern myself over consistency in style, yet a portfolio of work should really have a familiar feel throughout. I’ve also paid painful attention to the element of realism here… the characters are not my usual ‘animal head on human body’ result, and I’ve reviewed the anatomy so as to give the impression of evolved beings (with opposable thumbs!) I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m either a nerd, or I’ve been reading too much into Darwin’s theories. Btw, I have always had an avid interest in Native American history, culture, craft and so on (sometimes maybe too much; I stink the house out with sage and my coyote-faced dream catcher somewhat freaks people out with it’s ‘eerie stare’ and I hope that these works will reflect this interest and be enjoyed by others. I’m a big history buff by nature. Back to the actual art (blah, blah), a coyote performs a sacred smudging ceremony with bound sage bundle and feather fan. I’m a sucker for feathers. The picture perhaps came out a little too red/orange, but I’m not complaining too much… honest!

(Artwork © Leona Preston 2005)


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