Prairie
804 creative works found
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I’m not a historical scholar nor Lakota, and this visionary interpretation originates from within myself. The inspiration however, is rooted in both established tradition and the realities of prairie ecosystems. This image is like the caterpillar nestled within the cocoon of its own spinning. The true story curls in upon itself and stays hidden, awaiting the time of emergence. Here’s a little of its history: I visited an exhibition of 19th century adornment created by First Nations Plains cultures. One item in particular caught my interest; an ornament skillfully crafted to resemble a large cocoon. Accompanying text noted that Lakota warriors often attached an actual or facsimile of the large Prairie Sphinx moth cocoon in their hair before entering battle, and cocoons were associated with bison, earth, and wind. It was worn as a method of transferring moth’s powers to the warrior, disorienting enemies as the whirlwind stirs the prairie dust and tornados destruct all in their path. I’m intrigued by transformation and metamorphosis, and understanding the biological processes makes it all the more amazing. Over the years I’d sometimes think about these caterpillars burrowing under ground to spin cocoons, and the link with bison, wind, and protection in battle. I’d remember that cocoon fetish and wonder who’d made and worn it. While working on my degree I took several ecobiology courses and by chance had an opportunity to learn more about prairie ecosystems. I compared the science, the Lakota tradition, my own observations and experiences on the rez and walking the northern and midwestern prairie. The result was this painting and enough material to fill a small book. Below is an exerpt describing the emergence of the Prairie Sphinx from hibernation. I understand why bison, earth, wind and the cocoon are related in the Lakota context and oddly enough, the scientific. One compliments the other, for both are true. There is a connection and without bison, the Prairie Sphinx cannot exist. She’s teetering on the edge of extinction now that the great annual migrations have ceased. The other creatures in the painting (aside from bison) all live underground, usually taking up residence in abandoned prairie dog communities. “And so I welcome Prairie Sphinx Woman, my companion. In a sacred manner we dance, celebrating the circle of life. We dance great circles like the seasons, and spin tiny circles like the finch’s nest. Her feet are so light they don’t touch the ground, tripping flower to flower. Mine are clumsy and earth bound but still keeping in time. Yummni, the little dust devil boy, swirls laughingly round our feet as we step to the chattering chant of Burrowing Owl’s song, the dry rattling of Rattlesnake’s shaker. Always, always, the drone of rhythmic whirring, chirping, and clicking of insects vibrating through the shimmering prairie heat. Their chant flows within and without , underscoring all. The sacred, cleansing perfume of sage and good – spirit calling aroma of sweetgrass intoxicates as we mimic Meadowlark’s melodic call. Our dance recalls the free spirited diving and dipping grace of swallow as he rides the wild winds that announce a / Text and Image copyright Helena Nelson -Reed, please don’t use without written permission. rising storm. In one way this day is like any other, it is precious.”
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This is the old Westvale Barn… it was built over 100 years ago and was in use until only a few years past. Now it is scheduled for the wrecking ball. / / Another version of the image “Prime Real Estate”... I wasn’t sure which one I liked better. I am becoming a big fan of the sepia tones. / / / / Visit my website On The Rock Photography / / VIEW MY GALLERIES HERE / / WILDLIFE / SHIPS BOATS & DORYS / SCENES OF NEWFOUNDLAND / BLACK WHITE & SEPIA / ARCHITECTURE / STILL LIFE / MY FAVORITES / MOST POPULAR / PEOPLE / ALL THINGS SINISTER / CHURCHES OF OLD / WINTER SCENES / TRAINS & TRACTORS / SELECTIVE COLORING SERIES / STREET GRAFFITI SERIES /
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A little tree all alone, calls this lonely hilltop a happy home. / CREATION INFORMATION Medium: Nature/Digital Photography. Techniques: Digital Lomography & Cross Processing w/ Sepia tones. Tools: Digital Camera, Photoshop CS2. Shooting Location: Central California, CA / CONTEST & CHALLENGE HISTORY 04/05/08 – Entry to Two Word Challenge’s Challenge 18 – Landscape and Distance Challenge / ALSO AVAILABLE Little Tree Featured on Art Page! / Mill on the Horizon Cards & Wall Art /
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God’s Covenant with Creation. Genesis 8:22 (New King James Version) 22 “While the earth remains, / Seedtime and harvest, / Cold and heat, / Winter and summer, / And day and night / Shall not cease.” A canola field in the Barrabool Hills at Ceres, near Geelong, Australia. Pentax istDS camera.
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At the gentle suggestion of one LJ Maxx, I uploaded this darker version of “Horse Montage II” for entry into the Challenge Cafe Black & White challenge. / The lighter version showing on the right is uploaded as “Horse Montage II”. If you like it better, just click on the lighter image to be taken there. This is a composite of three photos, a sculpture of the herd (by a local artist I am told), a close-up of just one of the horses, and a wagon in my sister’s yard. /
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Please Use Larger View October 13, 2008 ~~ Thanksgiving Day….......... THANKS VERY MUCH FOR YOUR VIEWS FRIENDS….....xx
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Praire Dog, can you belive they are endangered? /
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I found this little abandoned church in the prairies in the middle of no where in Alberta .. nothing was around it for miles and miles …... I suppose at one time someone live near by to go to it ... I just had to play with the effects on it
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A misty morning along the hydro lines. Taken from Plessis Rd on the east side of Winnipeg MB CA
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My grandparents’ old farm is full of old buildings like this dark red barn. The stacks of wood you see are cut from nearby forest, awaiting planing into lumber to be used in new homes. I played around with this until it had something of an antique look to it. Thoughts on this process are welcome!
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Farm buildings along I-90 in South Dakota. Taken as we were driving past at around 75mph. /
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Taken with a Nikon D70s This is a photo I took on a friends farm on a recent road trip back to the prairies in Manitoba this past summer. I was lucky to capture this as the sun was setting and it cast the most beautiful hues of gold, red, and orange on the wheat field.
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Fading summer memories of rural Saskatchewan, Canada /
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Taken with a Nikon D70s My daughter walking through a wheat field in Manitoba.
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Contemplative Native American Dancer waiting to enter the ring at the “wacipi”.
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This Church is in South Western Saskatchewan on the wide open prairie
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Windmill on a golden prairie in Nebraska.
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/ “Prairie Gold” is in the Landscape Series and is partnered with “Prairie Night” and “Prairie Wind”.... / / Watercolour on Arches Paper… /
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Three original images I shot of the horse, sky and landscape blended into one. The sky was treated with speia tone. The landscape was treated with a gradient and speia tone. Very little enhancements on the horse to capture this beautiful portrait. Hope you like! Add me to your watch list now / My Bubblesite
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