Page 329 - YGARTUA : The Work Of A Genius

EDWARD S. CURTIS When painting the natives, our First People of the World it is often
in the form of a visual statement, it is motivational, it is important.

“Edward S. Curtis’s photography of our North American natives Over the years it really seems that a guiding hand is directing me
was brought to my attention by my wife Joanne, in 1974. It was to create a tableau, a record of character portraying the Nomadic

not my first introduction to our native people of North America, People of the World. It seemed that some instinctive and natural
but it was the first time I contemplated them as a subject matter. inquisitiveness drawn from my Basque Heritage which is one of

I never considered myself as a portrait artist, but I have always the oldest known ethnic groups in the world, was acting as a force
been drawn to the story behind the face, the history, the emphasis which impelled me to seek out those fundamental values which

on capturing the power of their presence. I was intrigued with are the root foundations of all civilizations.
Curtis’s lifestyle, crossing America, camping outside the native This painting is a Tribute to Edward S. Curtis, through his important

reservations, awaiting for them to come, anticipating their curiosity work, recording the history of the North American Natives. It took
and interest to trust him enough and permit him to photograph an me on my own journey, seizing the opportunity to record our natives

historical record of our First People of North America. across North America. I am beholden to those who inspire me and
With reference to my own Basque Heritage, I have always had to the opportunities given to me, remembering that one memorable

empathy and compassion for one’s sacred right to preserve and event in February 1978, a delightful afternoon in Scottsdale, Arizona,
cherish their heritage. It is like an endless passion and dedication when we were visited by Curtis’s daughter, to thank me for portraying

to present our natives with dignity and to stand up for the rights her Father’s work in my paintings and the opportunity, to hear about
of our First People. I have painted nearly all of Curtis’s studies, the her Father’s travels and Roosevelt’s golden edged copy of Curtis’s

most eloquent record on our native people. book. These are the things that I remember and are forever grateful.”

A TRIBUTE TO EDWARD S. CURTIS, 2022 ACRYLIC ON CANVAS 90X44 IN. | 228.6X111.7 CM.

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