 Indian Pipe Series, panel #9
A snapshot of the traditional native warrior at war dance. The Lakota sweeps and bends in motion that breaks the air between earth and sky. Mysticism, preparedness, and spirituality combine in this graceful movement. Like a electrical surge in pressurized water, the Native American dances against his fear, in contrary to his foe's will, and in spite of overwhelming odds. In the case of the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876, frequently called "Custer's Last Stand", the men of the Lakota tribe went back to their tepees to dress appropriately for the oncoming conflict. Even when time was precious, they dressed with respect. Respect for their people, their own spirit, and the Great Spirit. On his lips the warrior whispers "It is a good day to die". Here, there is an elegance in tradition even in the face of death.
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 Indian Pipe Series, panel #8
The bull bison, a representative of the all-embracing oneness we share, chases an official in riot gear. Can anything compare to the unity of people on this planet? We, the people, gasped and recorded the tragedies of WWII, slavery, and the harsh colonization of distant lands. We have the ability to rise above the "sins of our fathers". In intelligent discernment and emotional awareness, we can have a very personal and internal awakening that no one is more important than anyone else. This painting was created on the night the peaceful protesters of Standing Rock were being sprayed with water in 20 degree weather. As I painted, I constantly poured and sprayed water on the canvas creating the drips and watery movement.  Indian Pipe Series, panel #7
About the above image: A curious American Bison moves to examine the Indian Pipe Plant. Mystery can surround us at any time and fortitude may be an inside guide. The translucent and the strong play against each other in this image. Native Americans revere the great buffalo as a true (and very physical) reminder of the greater whole. The sacred abundance which the land provides. The faith that the hungry will be fed. There is a turning point in our personal and communal lives. We, as a culture, can choose to legitimize our greed or broadcast our blessings. Here we are, in this world together! Come together all ye nations and rejoice! For the coming of a new year is upon us!  Indian Pipe Series, panel #6
Newsflash: Although the Dakota Access Pipeline's construction was halted, a nearby crude oil pipeline spilled 176,000 gallons in North Dakota just the other day. Read about it HERE. When will we as a culture begin to say no to this clumsy way of transport with a fuel that is destined as an outdated resource? In the above image: the celestial coyote makes its touchdown from the sky and paws or stops the underground pipe. In Lakota Sioux legend the coyote is both a trickster and a hero. Mushrooms bloom above the surface and the familiar circle, as the symbol of a foreshortened pipe, births from the cluster. Immortal divinity interferes with the destructive actions of mankind.  Read the full article HERE
I believe everyone has a voice. I know it to be imperative that I use my gift to help benefit others. I am not a political artist in any way. I am a caring individual that considers people to be more important than the almighty buck. The issues I explore are sometimes in the politically published realm. Certainly, my nose is not stuck in a newspaper or on the computer looking up the steamiest newsworthy tragedy. But...when I see an issue that moves me, my desire to create ignites. Working from the heart is the most vitally important and artistic process I have ever learned. This is not taught in any school that I know of. Actually, it stems from my meditation and personal management practice. This topic has moved me so much that I am writing a very special book about this creative process called "Rake the Road, Meditative Movement and the Art of First Thought Creation". This text will be for anyone that has a creative fire inside and wants to explore the gift of the heart and emotions. Come to know what it is to say "My heart told me to do it!" More info coming soon...  About panel #5 of the Indian Pipe Series:
Energy Transfer Partners sped up the digging when they were approaching the Native American burial grounds. They worked on the weekend under the close watch of armed guards, helicopters, and watchdogs. Tell me they didn't know they were doing something wrong! This panel shows a front loader exhuming an ancient Indian body. The front shovel becomes a coffin in the dark of night. Made with sand to exemplify the dirty business.  The Pipeline was halted! A great satisfaction washed over me as I thought about the protection of a clean water source. Although, It was interesting to hear what North Dakota Congressman Kevin Cramer, who supported the pipeline’s construction, said “today’s unfortunate decision sends a very chilling signal to others who want to build infrastructure in this country.” “Roads, bridges, transmission lines, pipelines, wind farms, and water lines will be very difficult, if not impossible, to build when criminal behavior is rewarded this way”. The state’s governor, Jack Dalrymple said it was "a serious mistake". Criminal behavior? What was the behavior of law enforcement? Rubber bullets, freezing water blasting, tear gas, and concussion bombs...isn't that criminal behavior on peaceful protesters? How about the stealing of federally granted lands? Why is it that this situation had to escalate to such a fervor? Human rights and respect of our fellow man is still far down on the list of priorities. What about the gobs of money spent on fossil fuel? We, as respectful residents of this land, can still make a stand on inhumane activities happening, right here, on American soil. My plan for a Campaign for Compassion Exhibition will move forward.
 I'm fueled and creating! The Indian Pipe Series will bring awareness to the Dakota Access Pipeline situation regarding the authorities, Native Americans and others who are involved. If you are watching the news, you know what I'm talking about. If you aren't, the crude oil pipeline will cross the Missouri River and threaten the safety of drinking water. The digging has already defiled Indian Burial Grounds and is on the land that was granted to Cheyenne, Sioux, Arapaho, Crow, Assiniboine, Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara nations as of the Treaty of Fort Laramie in 1851. This land was stolen time and time again by business men in search for gold. Today, people and the land are being disposed of as the fatcat sees fit. The pipeline.
The pipeline will deliver approximately 470,000 barrels of oil a day and will take countless dollars to complete construction. Shouldn't this type of money be spent on renewable or cutting-edge energy research? The Indian Pipe Series will highlight the parasitic nature of plant and human animal.  Indian Pipe Series, panel #3
It is important to to stand for what you believe in or fall for anything. Energy Transfer Partners is digging a pipeline through Native American sacred land to the tune of $3.7 Billion. So much for renewable energy spending and the clean drinking water that the protesters are trying to protect. About my Indian Pipe Series: The Indian Pipe is sometimes called the Peace Pipe or Sacred Pipe in Native American rituals and tradition. There is also a native parasitic plant called the Indian Pipe that feeds off of mushrooms. In the above image, the plant is layered on the foreshortened edge of stacked pipes, the circles. The overall image is a contagion of unrest with a floral design of peace and hope for the future.  I have embarked on a series of protest paintings regarding the stand taken by the Native Americans and others at Standing Rock, North Dakota. The Indian Pipe plant (Monotropa Uniflora) is a parasitic plant that feeds upon fungi which in turn uses trees as their hosts. This feeding chain is a symbol of the proposed pipeline that may run through the soil of the sacred Native American land. Do we hold anything sacred? Are the stars in the sky left to be plucked from their hanging to line our pockets?
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AuthorArtist Daniel Kathalynas is currently working in a series of protest artwork called the Indian Pipe Series. This is a reaction to the atrocities committed on American soil by the conflict regarding the Dakota Access Pipeline. Archives
January 2017
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