Buffalo Painting

Montana in 1865 Buffalo and gold, the two most sought after commodities Montana had to offer in the 1800’s. Those seeking adventure on the western frontier relied on large herds of bison for food. They used buffalo hides for clothing and shelter. Gold in the hills attracted people from all over the world. Men struck it rich as easily as picking gold nuggets from a clear mountain stream. My desire was to recreate those deep feelings of abundance that gold evokes. To bring forward emotions of raw, indulgent richness from a time forgotten. In 1865, near Silver Star, Montana a mining camp boasted two hotels, three bars, a general store, and a large stamp mill. I recycled antique ceiling tins from a deteriorated and destroyed bar/hotel. I constructed this large triptych with the beautiful, original ceiling tins. Then covered the background with metallic gold, infusing the vibration of abundance over the entire surface. I painted four buffalo that command attention. They fill their environment with a sense of safety and elegance. The brown color of their fur represents our roots, wood and Earth. Touches of intriguing black, mysterious and independent in its strength, is young male energy. Black also represents the Earth goddess. Indigo across the bottom has the vibration of dignity, perseverance, and the ability to plan. It is the hue of inner knowing and intuition. These combined elements create balance and add richness to their surrounding area. This ceiling tin triptych is a tangible piece of history and represents Montana in its gold rush heyday. Materials for Buffalo: -Late 1800’s ceiling tin from a ghost town in Montana -Background painted with antique gold rust preventing paint -The buffalo are painted with oil paint -Framed in the back with 1”x4”s and plywood -Wire ready to hang -The overall dimension is 4’ high and 10’ long. It is approx. 2” from the wall.