David sidley
North American Native rock art has been around for at least 10,000 years. Yet, it is shrouded in mystery. Archaeologists admit they know little of the purpose or function of these intriguing ancient paintings, called pictographs, and carvings, known as petroglyphs.
As a painter and sculptor, I am fascinated by this art form. I have a lifelong personal admiration for the North American native culture and religion, and firmly believe these were the keys to survival for the peoples of the pre-white contact on this continent --- people who lived with nature, not in spite of it.
Through rock art, I can blend two of my favorite passions: art and native history. I transform these powerful two-dimensional pictographs and petroglyphs into watercolour paintings and cast bronze sculpture, using the lost wax process.
Despite the relative scarcity of rock art sites, since 1984 I have visited and studied more than 100 of them throughout North America. For me, these special places have a real feeling of magic and mystery. Many of the images are related to some form of hunting magic, vision-seeking or other religious purpose.
I believe North American rock art has a contemporary feel. At the same time, it is a very pure art form that has evolved apart from conventional western art.
My work allows me to express my deep sense of loss for our once abundant wildlife and the ability to live as part of, or at one with, nature. Native North Americans gained an intimate spiritual knowledge of wildlife and its environment because of their dependence on it for survival. Through my work, I am trying to recapture that spiritual knowledge.
See David Sidley's works at Fallen Leaf Art Gallery the next time you're in Canmore.
As a painter and sculptor, I am fascinated by this art form. I have a lifelong personal admiration for the North American native culture and religion, and firmly believe these were the keys to survival for the peoples of the pre-white contact on this continent --- people who lived with nature, not in spite of it.
Through rock art, I can blend two of my favorite passions: art and native history. I transform these powerful two-dimensional pictographs and petroglyphs into watercolour paintings and cast bronze sculpture, using the lost wax process.
Despite the relative scarcity of rock art sites, since 1984 I have visited and studied more than 100 of them throughout North America. For me, these special places have a real feeling of magic and mystery. Many of the images are related to some form of hunting magic, vision-seeking or other religious purpose.
I believe North American rock art has a contemporary feel. At the same time, it is a very pure art form that has evolved apart from conventional western art.
My work allows me to express my deep sense of loss for our once abundant wildlife and the ability to live as part of, or at one with, nature. Native North Americans gained an intimate spiritual knowledge of wildlife and its environment because of their dependence on it for survival. Through my work, I am trying to recapture that spiritual knowledge.
See David Sidley's works at Fallen Leaf Art Gallery the next time you're in Canmore.
FALLEN LEAF ART GALLERY
Visit: 102-822 Main Street, Canmore, AB T1W 2B7
Mail: PO Box 8633, Stn Main, Canmore, AB T1W 0B9
phone: 403-678-5034
email us at....fallenleafgallery@telus.net
Visit: 102-822 Main Street, Canmore, AB T1W 2B7
Mail: PO Box 8633, Stn Main, Canmore, AB T1W 0B9
phone: 403-678-5034
email us at....fallenleafgallery@telus.net