Essenique

Although paper, canvas, and drawing board are my preferred choice for drawing and painting.  I do enjoy experimenting with other types of "canvas".  I've used fabrics, woods, slate, feathers, bone, and plexiglass as backgrounds.  Below are a few examples of these.

Since I was a small child, I've visited the Black Hills of South Dakota yearly and am always awed by the beauty I find there.  I've been continuously rewarded with the beauty of Native American art and have learned a great deal about Native American history.  With great respect and admiration for Native Americans, I created this piece in the idea that all things are connected in "one spirit".  It is created on plexiglass using glass paints.

© mlw'05
2005

16"x20" 

                                                                                                                                             ©mlw'05

2001

Acrylic on Plexi 

 ©mlw'01

2005       

9"x20"

One of my favorite Native American symbols, the Kokopelli represents many things including that of a merry-maker or trickster.  I created this piece using  pheasant feathers.  Acrylic is used on the feather to create the kokkopelis and beadwork covers the ends of the feathers.

©mlw'05

                                        2005          "White Buffalo"

This piece was done on a turkey tail feather.  The white buffalo is painted with acrylic and beadwork covers the end.                

                                                                                                                                                                                                            ©mlw'05

The cruel acts that transpired on 9-11-2001 produced a multitude of emotions inside of every American including this one.  Art is one of the best outlets I have to express the many emotions I felt that day. 

Many unique individuals lost their lives on 9-11.  Many children's lives were changed forever as hopes and dreams were replaced with fear and uncertainty of our world.

     2001-Oil pastels on the slate top of an "old fashioned" child's desktop.   (12.5"x18.5")         

                                                                                                                       The Storm
"A child cries,

A mother awakens,

Disturbed by the storm in the night.

An innocent life ends,

A mother cries,

As another storm blocks out the morning light.

A child  is carried away,

A mother prays,

And tears of angels are heard.

But as our country cries,

For those who died,

We hear tears of pride.         

For together we stand,

To heal each other,

For we will never  hide."          mlw

                                             © mlw 2001

 © mlw'01

Pieces of a child's teddy bear, doll, and shoe represent the chaos and  destruction caused by  9-11 in the lives of children.  The above poem is also enclosed, written on the paper on the right.