November 2009
App Features Magazine - Production Team Publisher: Dru Heldman Editor: Bev Heldman Managing Editor: Donna Mayton Art & Direction: Dru Heldman Staff Photographer: Bev Heldman Accounting and Advertising Director: Donna Mayton Contributing Writers: Beverly Heldman - TAAS Owner, Jewelry mixed media
This Issue Feature Artisan Bob Stuart—Old Man Woodcarvings Native American Art –Dreamcatchers Famous Lakota Lakota Legend of the Dreamcatcher Dreamcatcher History Dreamcatchers at TAAS Gallery Beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway—Photo Tour Artisan Member listings Exploring an Area through Photographic Tours Upcoming Events Cover Photo provide by Dru Heldman Feature Story by Dru Heldman
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Feature Artisan Bob Stuart of Old Man Woodcarvings Artisan Bio: OLD MAN CARVINGS - Bob was inspired to carve Woodland Spirits as he recalled his summer vacation trips to Florida. During the 1950’s, road side souvenir stores displayed locally made cypress knee lamps and featured hand carved faces in cypress knees. So with the encouragement of his bride to get involved in a hobby, now that he was retired, he carved his first Woodland Spirit face in a small cypress knee with a 110 Buck Knife. That first attempt was in November, 2005 and travels with Bob as he displays his Cypress Knee garden art in various Fine Art & Craft shows. While a self taught carver, his unique Garden Art has won several awards. Title - Guardian, Woodland Spirits Medium- Wood (Cypress Knee Roots from the Bald Cypress Tree) Dimensions - Height 13 Inches, Diameter 5 Inches, Cypress Knees - Single, Moustache style - Handlebar, Woodland Spirit Faces - one Creation Process - Cypress are air dried from one to six months to aid in the hand removal of the bark. Bark that does not peel off is shaved off with carving knives and then sanded. Woodland Spirit Faces are then hand carved in the Cypress Knees and a clear penetrating stain is applied to enhance the natural colors contained in the wood. Finally multiple coats of a marine grade urethane are applied to protect the now ready Garden Art from the elements. All carvings come with a Certificate of Authenticity that includes the Legend of the Woodland Spirits.
Title - Sleeper, Woodland Spirits Medium- Wood (Cypress Knee Roots from the Bald Cypress Tree) Dimensions - Height 31 Inches, Diameter 7 Inches, Cypress Knees - Single, Moustache style - Foo Man ChuDroop, Woodland Spirit Faces - One Creation Process - Cypress are air dried from one to six months to aid in the hand removal of the bark. Bark that does not peel off is shaved off with carving knives and then sanded. Woodland Spirit Faces are then hand carved in the Cypress Knees and a clear penetrating stain is applied to enhance the natural colors contained in the wood. Finally multiple coats of a marine grade urethane are applied to protect the now ready Garden Art from the elements. All carvings come with a Certificate of Authenticity that includes the Legend of the Woodland Spirits.
Native American Art By Donna Mayton This month’s art feature is the Many bands settled as far east as the Missouri Dreamcatcher. The story of Dreamcatcher comes River but retreated to the Black Hills after the many outbreaks of smallpox reduced their from the Lakota tribe. numbers. The Lakota are the most well known artisans of Dreamcatchers. The Lakota - pronounced (la’k ota) are part of seven related Sioux tribes (or seven council fires) and speak Lakóta, one of the three major dialects of the Sioux language.
The Lakota are the western-most of the three Sioux groups, occupying lands in both North and South Dakota. The seven branches or "sub-tribes" of the Lakota are: Sičháŋu (also known as Brulé, Burned Thighs) Oglála Itázipčho (also known as Sans Arc, No Bows) Húŋkpapa Mnikówožu (also known as Miniconjou) Sihásapa (also known as Blackfeet Sioux) Oóhenuŋpa (also known as Two Kettles) The number of Lakota today has now increased to about 70,000, of whom about 20,500 speak the Lakota language. The Lakota were originally referred to as the Dakota when they lived by the great lakes, however, because of European settlements they were pushed away from the great lakes region and later called themselves the Lakota which became part of the Sioux. Early French explorers called them Sioux. The Lakota and other bands of the Sioux roamed the Great Plains from Canada to the area east to the Mississippi river. They traveled freely, made camp with tipi’s, hunted and fished.
1891 Grabill, John C. H., photographer
After their adoption of the horse, the society centered on the buffalo hunt. Later hunting and massacre of the buffalo were urged by General Sheridan as a means to "destroying the Indians‖. There were 20,000 Lakota in the mid-18th century. The Lakota with their allies, the Arapaho and the Northern Cheyenne, defeated General George Crook's army at the Battle of the Rosebud. A week later they defeated the U.S. 7th Cavalry in 1876 at the famous Battle of Little Big Horn wiping out the entire General Custer battalion, inflicting more than 50% casualties on the regiment. Photo from OldPictures.com/ General George Custer
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Their victory over the U.S. Army would not last, however. The Lakota were defeated in a series of subsequent battles by the reinforced U.S. Army and eventually confined onto reservations, prevented from hunting buffalo and forced to accept government food distribution.
Black Elk participated, at about the age of twelve, in the Battle of Little Big Horn of 1876, and was injured in the Wounded Knee Massacre in 1890. In 1887, Black Elk traveled to England with Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show an unpleasant experience he describes in the book Black Elk Speaks. He was baptized Catholic in order to travel with the show. He felt his travels gave him a realistic perception of the white man's world that many Native Americans of the Buffalo Photo courtesy www.Firstpeople.us time did not have. He understood the numbers and scope of the white civilization. He Essentially, the U.S. government broke every treaty they ever made with the Lakota. Each felt he had lost his Lakota power while in Europe, but it returned to him upon his return new treaty signed to replace the previous broken one usually reduced the size of Indian to his Lakota home. He continued to serve as a spiritual leader lands. In the decade of the 1840's, wagon among his people, seeing no contradiction in trains of miners and settlers on their way to embracing what he found valid in both his California, Oregon and Utah, cut a destructribal traditions concerning Wakan Tanka (the tive path through the prairie sod and drove the buffalo away from the traditional hunting Great Spirit) and those of Christianity. areas. The Lakota fought back and the army In 1892, Black Elk married for the first time to sent troops into the Permanent Indian Country Katie War Bonnet. They had three boys. After being a widower, Black Elk later married Anna to protect the wagon trains. Brings White, who gave him two sons and a daughter, Lucy. Lucy, felt that he was enFamous Lakota tirely sincere in his efforts, trying to help his There are many famous Lakota. Billy Mills, people by practicing as a medicine man and Oglala, from Pine Ridge, an orphan and US healer. She remembers him not as a dispirited Marine, Olympic Medal winner in the 1964 warrior, but as a happy, kind and gentle man. Olympics. Perhaps the most well known are: He spent his entire life agonizing over whether Sitting Bull (1831-1890), Crazy Horse (1845he was living up to the dictates of visions. 1913), and Black Elk (1863-1950). Lucy felt that her father saw parallels and Black Elk, a holy man of the Oglala, famous connections befor his book Black Elk Speaks, was one of tween old Lakota many Native Americans who shared his culreligion and Christitural heritage. For the first thirty years of his life, anity. Black Elk was an Oglala, Lakota medicine man. He had many powerful visions and ―The first peace, which dreams about important battles with the Cav- is the most important, is that which comes alry and the demise of the buffalo. within the souls of peoBlack Elks visions gave him power in the eyes ple when they realize of his people, but was also a terrible obligatheir relationship, their tion to live up to. oneness with the uniIn his later years, he was a practicing and a verse and all its powers, missionary Catholic. At the age of 67, he nar- and when they realize rated Black Elk Speaks, a collaborative biogthat at the center of raphy that captures the essence of what it the universe dwells Wawas to be pre-reservation Lakota and the Na- kan-Taka (the Great Spirit), and that this center is tive American spirituality that was the underly- really everywhere, it is within each of us.‖ Books Referenced : Black Elk Speaks & The Sacred Pipe ing foundation of Lakota life.
Lakota Legend of the Dreamcatcher
good use of your people's ideas, dreams and visions. "If you believe in the great spirit, the web Long ago when the world was young, an old will catch your good ideas and dreams Lakota spiritual leader was on a high moun- and the bad ones will go through the hole." tain and had a vision. In his vision, Iktomi, the great trickster and teacher of wisdom, appeared in the form of a spider. Iktomi spoke to him in a sacred language that only the spiritual leaders of the Lakota could understand. As he spoke Iktomi, the spider, took the elder's willow hoop which had feathers, horse hair, beads and offerings on it, and began to spin a web. He spoke to the elder about the cycles of life ... how we begin our lives as infants The Lakota elder passed on his vision to his and we move on to childhood, and then to people. Now the Native people use the adulthood. Finally, we go to old age where dream catcher as a lesson reminder; Rewe must be taken care of as infants, commembering the lessons of spider, and pleting the cycle. “weaving the web of life”. "But," Iktomi said as he continued to spin It is the nature of a dream catcher to athis web, "in each time of life there are tract all dreams to its web. When bad many forces -- some good and some bad. If dreams come, they cannot find their way you listen to the good forces, they will steer through the woven pattern, and become you in the right direction. But if you listen trapped in the webbing…where the first to the bad forces, they will hurt you and light of day causes them to melt away and steer you in the wrong direction." perish. Good dreams navigate their way He continued, "There are many forces and through the center of the web, however, different directions that can help or interand they slide down the lowest-hanging fere with the harmony of nature, and also feather to inspire the peaceful sleeper bewith the great spirit and all of his wonderful low. teachings." Dreamcatcher by Darryl Towtherow
Dreamcatchers
Available at TAAS Gallery
All the while the spider spoke, he continued to weave his web starting Dreamcatchers are not just things-they are wisdom from the outside and working toward the cen- teachers. ter. When Iktomi finished speaking, he gave the Lakota elder the web and said..."See, the web is a perfect circle but there is a hole in the center of the circle." He said, "Use the web to help yourself and your people to reach your goals and make 6
Dreamcatchers are the most recognizable Native American symbol in the country today. For many Native Americans, they represent tradition and the dreamcatcher legends that have been handed down for generations. For some, they are the symbol of Native American unity. But for others, dreamcatchers are simply tacky tourist
Several Native American tribes have tried to bring their meaning back by creating and crafting dreamcatchers from traditional materials. Perhaps the most important message here is to learn the meanings behind these beautiful, woven circles. You will gain a deeper appreciation of the craft and the beliefs behind their creation. Throughout the years, dream catchers have become more of a Native American wall art than what they were typically made for. This Native American symbol was traditionally made for catching the children's dreams. It was told that it would protect the children from nightmares as they sleep. The dream catcher was to be hung over the child's bed and while they were sleeping, it would filter their dreams. The good dreams would pass through the center hole and slip down the feathers to the sleeping child. The bad dreams would be caught or trapped in the web and at dawn they would perish at the first strike of sun light. The first known use was to hang on the cradleboard of infants. White Earth Ojibwa Infant /photo Densmore 1979
Dreamcatcher History
of the dreamcatcher legend * 7 points – the seven prophecies of the grandfathers * 6 points – an eagle or courage * 5 points – the star The hoop of the dream catcher is a significant component that symbolizes unity and strength. You can find many symbols that have started from the basic hoop, and the dream catcher is one of the famous ones. Dreamcatcher photo courtesy of Points Of Light Studio, Asheville, NC. Dreamcatcher crafted by Abenaki Nation,Band of Missesquoi St. Francis/Sokoki
A dreamcatcher can also have feathers tied to the bottom. Feathers, beads, or animal tokens hang from the strands. Traditional dreamcatchers are only a few inches in diameter, but you will see contemporary models anywhere from a few inches to 1 foot across. There are as many variations as there are artists. Some use non-traditional colors and materials. Some have painted Native symbols. Others are custom made for gifts or a person’s home.
Dreamcatchers are thought to have originated with the Ojibwa tribe of the plains, but many other tribes such as the Cherokee, Navajo, and Lakota have their own ver- Some Tribal members are dismayed by the sions of the dream- marketing of dream catchers. Though some catcher legend. tribal members say they see no problem with the practice, others regard the marketing of Although there are dream catchers as another example of their many variations, a culture being picked apart. dreamcatcher is basically a small Authenticity is more than pride. It is a way of circle of wood that life, steeped in tradition. A dream catcher is is tied with sinew or supposed to be made in intricate, ceremonial thread to resemble steps that include giving thanks for the spirit of a web with a small the wood used in it. The givers of the feathers, hole in the middle. bones, stones or beads are also gathered and The strings or sinews thanked in a sacred manner. are tied at several points on the circle, with the number of points on the dreamcatcher having different meanings: * 13 points – the 13 phases of the moon * 8 points – the number of legs on the spider
These steps are lost when the product is mass produced or items made by Non-Natives, and in black markets in China. Non -traditional import
ones, young and old. Handcrafted in the native tradition, they will add beauty, peace, and a touch of legend to any home. In any case, Dreamcatchers are part of ancient legend, and a good lesson for today. Dreamcatcher by Darryl Towtherow Available at TAAS Gallery
A traditional Ojibwa/ Chippewa way to make a dream catcher is to go collect red willow branches in a sacred manner. The willow is wrapped in one continuous piece of yarn including the web. Ojibwa people would tie sinew strands in a web around a small round or tear-shaped frame-in a somewhat similar pattern to how they tied webbing for their snowshoes, and hang the "dreamcatcher‖ to protect children or dreamers. When I started to write this article; someone said to me ―what’s there to write about dreamcatchers? The dreams just float down the feathers!‖ I hope I have entertained and educated you with more than that thought. Dreamcatchers are not just things-they are wisdom teachers. The Native World is a friend who teaches and guides, its footprints can lead us back to the wisdom of our heart which runs like a river through the veins of the ancestors and their teachings for many eons. In these hard times, the wisdom of stories and teachings are needed now more than ever. Dreamcatchers are a wonderful, magical part of Native American culture. I was given one from a dear friend and medicine woman, and I love that my dreams are being protected by a power greater than myself. These beautiful, handcrafted dreamcatchers make a wonderful, meaningful gift for loved 8
Since dreams will never cease, Hang this dream net above your bed, Dream on, and be at peace.
Dreamcatchers at TAAS Gallery
All items on this page available at TAAS Gallery or www.taasg.com
At TAAS Gallery we feature Darryl Totherow, who is a multi talented, multi media artist. Darryl hand crafts his dreamcatchers in the traditional way he was taught by his relatives. He speaks fondly of his aunt who taught on the Eastern Band of Cherokee reservation here in North Carolina. Darryl grew up around Bryson City and today continues to craft many items. Today he not only weaves dream catchers, he also carves walking sticks, and produces a comfortable handcrafted wood chair. His other talents include crafting bark baskets, and making pottery. Darryl uses only natural materials like leather, feathers and wood. Walking sticks carved by Darryl Available at TAAS Gallery
Darryl also handcrafts his Dreamcatchers in a traditional manner and uses only natural materials.
Photo Tour We planned months in advance – we wanted to catch the leaves at their peak. We started at Mount Mitchell with a wonderful lunch and view from the restaurant. We picked a beautiful day with just a few clouds in the sky. Mt. Mitchell at elevation 6684 is the highest peak east of the Rockies. One fact I found amazing was the winds. The highest recorded wind speed at Mt. Mitchell was 178 mph. Mount Mitchell State Park is open every day of the year except Christmas Day. The mountain averages 100 inches of snow each year. One of the reasons I moved to this area was for the beautiful blue mountain views. I fell in love with the area again on this beautiful drive. Fall colors were everywhere. Hawks soared, and wild turkeys walked along the side of the road. Fall colors framed by tree - the last weekend in October 2009. The highlight of the drive and most memorable place was Grandfather Mountain towering 5984 feet. The park is privately owned. There is a wonderful wildlife habitat where black bears, otters, bald eagles and many others reside as rescue animals. Bald Eagle - Grandfather Mountain Habitat With its mile high suspension bridge the walk to the summit of Grandfather Mountain was most memorable. The 228-foot suspension bridge spans an 80-foot chasm at more than one mile in elevation. (I walked very quickly and held the rail very tight). The views from Grandfather were spectacular in every direction.
Photo courtesy www.grandfather .com
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I was saddened by the lack of respect from many of the tourists. I was trying to sit and enjoy the view. People of all ages were everywhere – climbing, moving and making noise. This is a very dangerous outcropping of rock, and the lack of safety awareness by most was astounding. To have it fenced would ruin the experience, but my heart was worried for some of these people. Grandfather Mountain is the oldest mountain on earth. I wanted to experience that reverence. Grandfather Mountain was created about 730 million years ago when two of the earth's plates slammed together, thrusting great sections of the continent into the sky creating the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountain Ranges. It was named "Grandfather" by pioneers who recognized the face of an old man in one of the cliffs. The Grandfather wilderness is home to some of the oldest plant species known to man. My favorite views were of Hawksbill Mountain and Table Rock in the Linville Gorge Wilderness. They have true mystical qualities no matter where you view them from. As you can see you don’t have to be a professional photographer to enjoy the natural beauty that is abundant along the Blue Ridge Parkway. I took these photos with a very inexpensive digital camera. The best memories of a beautiful fall day filled with amazing colors, and many shades of blue. Beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway Story and Photos by Donna Mayton
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Catawba Vale Café The name of our café located inside TAAS Gallery has a rich and wonderful meaning to us. Catawba Vale means the beginning of the Catawba River as walking distance from the café is the headwaters of the Catawba River as is cascades down from Catawba Falls. Come experience great food and surround yourself in art and history. Downtown Old Fort, North Carolina 32 E. Main St Www.catawbavale.com 828-668-9899
Catawba Vale History:
138 years ago in 1871 at the base of Black Mountain and at the headwaters of the Catawba River there was a small town under development with the anticipation of the new railroad coming through. The town was proudly named Catawba Vale. It was a time of prosperity, positive thinking and progression. Old Fort was named Catawba Vale from 1871 – 1873 a short time in history but not forgotten as we celebrate that positive thinking. Our sandwiches are named after local landmarks and are becoming as famous as their namesakes. Our building is one of the oldest in Old Fort Est. 1871.
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To enter the competition each participant must bring five non-perishable food items.
Entries will accepted between November 3rd - November 28th Contest Rules: Ornament must be handmade by the person that enters the contest. Any type of material can be used to make your ornament, use your imagination. Hand painted ornaments will be accepted. Your ornament must be able to hang from a Christmas tree and include a hook or loop. This is the 4th Annual Christmas Ornament Competition and Fundraiser for TAAS Gallery. To date we have raised over $1200.00 for the local Hospice of McDowell County. Not a lot of money but it's starting to add up. This year we will strive to add more and have a great time in the process. In years past, ornaments have been turned wood ornaments, birds nests, miniature painting framed, beaded ball creations, and many more innovative and creative ornaments.
Holiday Shopping In the store Lay –a-way available
HANDMADE CHRISTMAS GIFTS STORE www.handmadechristmasgiftsstore.com Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountain in a small and historic town, Old Fort, NC there is a store that will blow your mind. An unexpected treasure, explained one passer-by. The store is filled with unique one of a kind art and crafts produced by local and regional artisans. The Appalachian Artisan Society is a group of approximately 70 members who make their products and sell them in the store. TAAS Gallery has developed a unique website that shows Internet shoppers only items that are actually in stock. So there's no waiting for something to ship. Buyers can even buy products from multiple artisans and add it all to one shopping cart and receive one shipment. Pricing is very reasonable due to the low store commission structure. Check it out and buy something this Christmas from TAASG.COM. Please come and see us next time you travel I-40 through North Carolina. We are right off exit #73 in Downtown Old Fort, NC
Visit our blog at: http://taasgallery.blogspot.com/
December Feature Artisan is Beverly Heldman aka: Wormy
December We celebrate the holidays with our 4th annual Christmas Ornament Competition and Fundraiser.
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