December 09'

Can you believe it is already December? Time flies it seems the older we get. I guess I must be starting to get older, cause where did 09' go too? I thought Obama was just inaugurated the other day! Wow.. that was fast! Next thing you know you will be doing your taxes.

Janine our daughter from Germany is flying home for Christmas in a couple of weeks. Think Angelika and I may put up a few decorations before it is over with. We will wait for the kids to come over first before we put up a tree. We usually let them decorate the tree.

Angelika has been busy making her hand made hats for Christmas, she ships daily all over the world. This is her busy time, so I know she appreciates all the help I can do for her at this time of year. I assist with making some of her tags she uses when she packs the hats customers have ordered. She really does a great unique job in her style of packing. Lot's of TLC goes into each one of her packages.

I completed 3 more paintings, but will only be posting 2 of the 3. I also framed and matted another 7 clans painting. I am wanting to make a presentation to the Otoe Missouria tribe with it. I want to share with the tribe where all members can view it.

I guess I need to think about what to get for Christmas gifts for everyone. Think we may send out a few Christmas cards this year as well.

The money I made from the painting sales from the speaking engagement with the Daughters of the American Revolution. My plan was to pay it forward, but we had a death in our extended family. I helped my family with the cost of the feast for the traditional meal. I know there is a blessing from that.

I cleaned out my closet, and removed clothes I no longer use. I packed them up and took them to the Salvation Army. I know they will be put to good use. Someone may stay warm this winter.

I just want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, and if I don't get to make another post before 2010, I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year as well.

Sid

Another good time dancing with our friends.

This past weekend we got to go to Enid, Ok. for a gourd dance my Indian friend Hank and Marie Childs hosted. Our gourd dance group was the host gourd club, so we were in full force. My sister and mother were able to come join us as well. I was very happy for this. My mothers Indian friend was there as well, and they got to dance together again.

The Enid intertribal club had a wonderful dinner served for us. The fellowship with all my brothers, and relatives was priceless. Look forward to helping my friends for the upcoming Otoe encampment next July. My friend Hank is the chairman for the powwow. I told him I would support him with this great endeavor.

Chairman John Shotton of the Otoe tribe is a member of our group as well. He just got back from his trip to D.C. He was in attendance at the White House with President Obama, when he greeted all the recognized tribes in the U.S.

On Nov. 20th I will be speaking for the Daughters of the American Revolutions monthly meeting at the Marland Grand home here in Ponca City, on Native American Art. They said they will have a write up about it coming out in the local newspaper this coming Sunday. I will begin to prepare for it. I look forward to it.

On Nov. 21st the Otoe encampment with have their first benefit dance at the Otoe culture center. I will see about attending that dance.

I will be starting a new painting for the contest here that the Ponca City art center holds in February. Still thinking about what to paint.

Thanks for reading.

Over due for a posting

There is so much to write about, not sure where to begin. I know I need to post more often and not let things get so far behind. All I can say is things have been good of late. Busy beyond what I care to be, but it keeps things moving along.

Labor day weekend, we went to the Cherokee Holiday celebration and Art contest in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. I hadn't been in Tahlequah in years. I had forgotten how pretty the country is there. We had a very enjoyable time there. We went down on Friday for the contest, we arrived a few minutes late. I guess you could say we were running on Indian time. We grabbed a flier from the attendant and went into the auditorium. We found a place to stand in the back, and no sooner got there, and they announced the honorable mention for the graphics division. "When the shadows are long". It was my elk painting! I was at a loss since I didn't know the format of how things were being conducted. I asked one of the security guards where we were standing, and he said to go on up on stage. I received my ribbon, and prize. I signed the book where the art work was listed. A rather nice surprise!

We went back to Tahlequah again on Sunday afternoon, since they were going to be closed on Monday for a holiday. I was noticing where my art work was hanging, and the "Dream Image" painting was gone! The attendant said the painting had sold! To my surprise again. This made the whole weekend trip and contest all worth while. The money I made on the painting, I decided to pay it forward for someone less fortunate. I will see about gathering some things to send for children at Christmas.

Later in Sept. the wife and I had a very pleasant trip to Germany to visit her family. Daughter from Bremen, (Northern Germany) came down to Bavaria where my Mother in law resides. Janine (daughter)brought her boy friend with her so he could meet everyone. Aunnun is his name, not so sure about the spelling but it sounds the way I spelled it.
He is a successful independent insurance agent, and does pretty good for his self. Janine, just finished her masters in sociology, and landed herself a good position with a Federal agency there in Bremen. So she is all set now. The thing is we don't look for her this coming Christmas, since she is still on probation with her new position.

Janine joins her brothers now with a good job. This makes us happy. We don't have to worry so much now with everyone working.

We spent 2 weeks in Germany and got to meet some of her relatives I hadn't met yet. Went to Nuerenburg, Bayreuth, Weiden, and Parkstein. Parkstein, was interesting, since this small village was built on top of an ancient volcano. We were able to take some good pictures from the hike we did going to the top of the mountain. There was a nice little cafe where we enjoyed some cake and coffee.

As always the best part about going to Germany was the Essen (Food).. Love the breads, coffees, and Greek food there. Everywhere we went relatives had set the table, and offered us cake and coffee. The coffee to me is the best in the world. We always look forward to the coffee and cake there.

To put things in a nut shell. I am presently back to work again on 2 more paintings. One will be for a good friend of mine I had the privilege of meeting in Tahlequah during the reception for the art contest, Richard Stepp. Richard is nominated this year for a grammy for his latest CD "Legends and Dreams". We finally got to meet, and had a good visit there. We agreed on a new CD album cover for his next CD. I am nearing completion on that work.

The other painting is of a dream I have had most of my life, which involves the creator of heaven and earth. I won't say any more on this I want to keep it quiet until I decide what I will do with it. My Mother said that this is my best one yet!

I wasn't going to argue with her. I will just see how things come along with it.

Anyhow we have pictures posted on Flickr.com of Germany and more recent pictures of the Standing Bear powwow. I will try to make more postings as things transpire.
Thanks for reading.

Post about Gods Gift to our family.

My life's partner and I just got home from a brief visit with my new Granddaughter, Paelin Grace. She is now 7 months old, born Jan. 8th of this year. My son and his companion are coming home for a brief visit from Idaho where they make their home, in October. At that time my Mother will finally get to see her new Great Grand daughter.

Last year at the annual Ponca powwow, we camped, and Mom asked one of my Ponca brothers if he would perform a naming ceremony for my siblings Grand children. He accepted and named all the great grand children that didn't have their Native names yet. We had tribal elders come as well as extended family members. After the naming ceremony we had a large feast and fed everyone that attended.

My eldest sons birthday is in Oct. along with my baby sister, and my Mother. We will celebrate their birthdays, and have a small naming ceremony for Paelin. My family is descendants of the half breed clan of the Ponca nation, and my mother is going to think about a name for Paelin.

Wakondah gave us a beautiful grand daughter. Just the few days we were there, she knew who I was, and would reach out for me when she saw me. So many prayers go up for our grand children everyday, even for the ones that are unborn. Our people pray for 7 generations yet to come. So when my children come home we will all gather and have this naming ceremony for Paelin.

It is amazing how God blesses us each day of our lives. We prayed for travel mercies, and to watch over our home while we were away. When we got home everything was good. I sacrificed a little tobacco and said Aho! Thank you, Weeblaho for all you do for us.
Our dog Oscar was very happy to see us get home too. Our neighbor watch our home, and fed and watered him daily while we were away. Another blessing to have such a neighbor.

I will be making more posts now that things are settling down some.

Looking forward to the Cherokee Heritage days Art contest, where I was juried for 3 paintings to enter. All will be for sale as well.

Aho, and Weeblaho..

...also, I got to visit briefly with my friend James Pyles on the phone while we were in Boise. James is a great writer..

Otoe encampment was good!

The 3rd week in July is typically very hot! Traditionally you get to a point to where you kinda hate to go because you know it's going to be like an oven during the gourd dance. The gourd dancing usually begins around 2pm in the afternoon, just about extreme heat time.
On Sunday before the start of the encampment, our family will traditionally put our camp up first! Since we are Buffalo clan. This year the encampment committee asked my Aunt to bless the powwow grounds. She is our Buffalo clan elder. I was there to witness it. At the same time we had a death in our tribe, and I was busy helping my youngest brother take care of the funeral. It was very hot those days.
My Aunt prayed to the creator at all 4 directions. Blessing the grounds with cedar smoke.
Tuesday we had the funeral for our Otoe relative that passed. By the time Thursday came around there was a cool front that came through. We was treated with some cooling rain, and North breeze. Made things much better. Friday was very nice. We enjoyed a wonderful gourd dance Friday evening. Saturday was just as good. Sunday it warmed up a little bit, but was still in the mid 80's.
On Thursday I donated print #1 of 100 of the "1st Otoe Meeting" to the encampment committee. They had tickets printed with a smaller version of the painting on the ticket. Sold chances at a dollar each. No need to be present to win. The committee, thanked me for this. It helped them raise over $400.00. The winning ticket belonged to a lady that lives in Enid, Okla. I am very happy someone won that appreciates my work.
Saturday night, my baby sister dressed in her buckskin dress, and competed in the ladies buckskin. She won 2nd place, and that made everyone happy. She is a good dancer. I was very thankful for the way the whole week went. The funeral went as well as we hoped. The feast was as good a meal as I ever had. The weather at the encampment came from the creator in answer to so many prayers. Everyday was very tolerable.
Best part of everything both brothers, sister, and my Mother all got to come home, with all the nephews, and neices. We sat down Saturday evening, and all shared a meal together. I am very thankful for that. No body can tell me there is no God. God blessed us with a wonderful week. Everyone made it home after everything was over with. It made for some life long lasting memories, and that is priceless!
Just wish I could have taken some pictures.

Update.. it's been awhile..

Things have been busy here at the home office as usual. Seems my retirement is something only I can control. I guess if I want to do nothing, then I can, but my emotions and love of art won't allow it. I guess that is a good thing. I have been busy painting again, and want to finish at least 3 more by the weekend. If things go according to plan it will happen, but we all know how things can go sometimes.

I called one of my Otoe/Ponca brothers, and learned he was in the hospital, battling kidney problems. Hopefully he won't be in there much longer. We all need him home with us. We more than likely will be planning a early morning sweat lodge on his behalf. Prayers in that holiest of circles is very strong.

I am still working on the display at the Standing Bear museum. I am now wanting to add some ribbon work, and shawls, to display my peoples craftsmanship. We are known for our bead, ribbon, and feather work. It seems that things just don't happen as fast as we would like, but eventually it will all happen.

Thinking back over the last couple of weeks, I want to thank my friend Firgs for giving me a shot out on her blog.
I was very honored by this. I checked my website dashboard after her shout out hit an all time high on people viewing my website.

I also want to thank my Arapho friend Neyom Friday for her blog radio talk show interview she did of me and my background. I was very honored by these good people, for recognizing Native American art, and wanting to tell the world about it.

I got a message from a lady that runs a Native American art gallery in Norman, Okla.
Tribes 131. She will be contacting me about bringing some prints down to her store.
I am excited about the prospect of finally getting out there in the State of Okla.

As I near completing each painting, I am more and more thankful that I will someday be remembered for something I loved doing. Art is my passion.

I hope to make a presentation to the Ponca tribe as well the Otoe/Missouria with paintings depicting their ancestors, and traditions.

I am nearing completion of my Aunt Jo's painting as well. Not sure how that presentation will work yet since my Aunt lived in So. Calif. among the Mission Indians at Barona Rez. My relatives want to hang this portrait of her up in the library that was named in her honor.

My oldest son called me on Fathers day, wishing me happy fathers day. This time I was able to wish him happy fathers day as well. My first grand child Paelin Grace Armstrong was born on Jan. 8th this year. My wife and I are planning on going to see her in Idaho, sometime next month.

I will be posting more as my paintings are completed and my friend Dave begins printing, and stretching canvas.

Thanks for reading

Bob n Shannon.jpg

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bob and shannon.jpg

Click here to view these pictures larger

Back in 72' till today, a brief bio..

I had a 2 government jobs that anyone would give to have. The first job I worked for the Dept. of Commerce on a US geodetic survey crew. We had 4 wheel drive trucks, we had to cut down trees in the Oregon country side to get to markers the government had set back around WW2. The trees had grown up around the markers. Once we got the trees cleared out of the way we moved our equipment in and we built towers that would stand above the tree line. We built the towers right on top of the markers. We would drop a plumb bob to set dead center over the marker. Then at a precise time would go back to the marker after dusk, climb the tower, and point a light toward a certain direction. Leave the light on till we got an all clear. We pointed the light toward a certain direction where the transit was set up. The transit would take the readings from that point to where we had the light shinning. The government could then determine how much the land mass has moved from the time after WW2. We would tear down the towers, and move on to the next location. The process would then repeat itself. I worked with guys from Ark., Missouri, Tex., and I being from Okla. We had a pretty good crew. Each one of us had to be at least 6'0" tall in order to build the towers.

Then later that year I moved back to Okla. and found my 2nd job with the government. I worked for the Dept. of the Interior at Chilocco Indian school, North of Newkirk, Okla. I worked on the farm, we had 4 wheel drive trucks there as well, plus tool boxes. We all had our own horses, saddles. We maintained over 500 white face cows, and 15 Hereford bulls. We pretty much did things the old fashioned way. We rounded up the cattle on horse back. Seperated the calves when they were big enough. Roped and branded them. When the vet came out we worked with him as well. Tagging all the calves with ear markers. Wormed, all the cattle.

We had over 2000 acres of farm land we worked. Cut wheat, bailed hay, plowed, and sewed wheat. It was a great job I would have loved to have kept.

This job like so many other jobs with the government was in the process of being cut. We were told that we needed to find different work. I then went to Continental Oil Co. in Ponca City in Dec. of 73'. They later called me in for testing. I passed the test and on Jan., 21, 1974 I began my career with Conoco.

Tomorrow some 35 years, 5 months later. I will have my retirement dinner. The company will present me with my career history, a picture of the refinery, and a retirement book all of my peers signed wishing me good luck. A lot of them will join me and my family at my luncheon.

My good friend Bob Ailey, along with his lovely wife Lenis, and their daughter Shannon will join me. Shannon and Bob will perform for me. Singing with their guitars. Shannon will also bring some of her CD's to sell to everyone. Shannon is a very talented young lady. Her and her husband will be performing at Noel, Missouri, at a camp they are running.

My wife, my younger brother Jim along with his wife, will be there. I guess this will be my last horah with ConocoPhillips. Just looking back at my working career, I had some pretty good jobs, and I am very thankful for that. I know there were lots of relatives that prayed for my success. Now I will offer thanks, for all I was blessed with, and ask for continued success with my retirement.

Thanks for reading.

Watermarked all paintings online..

You know I don't bother much with posting on twitter about my website, or my blog posts. I figure if someone wants to know who I am, and what I do they can just check out my website which is attached to my bio in twitter.

I see people from all over the world coming in and checking out my works. It would be nice to get an occasional comment once in awhile. It makes you wonder if anyone ever reads what you post, or do they just want to come in and look at my pictures (works)?

I removed all the paintings I had and changed them all with a watermark. If this makes everyone upset, then so be it. I spend too much time painting everything, the emotions that come with this are from sometimes an answer to a prayer. I can't give that away. I refuse to allow anyone to come into my blog or website, and just hit the print screen button. In a matter of a couple of seconds my hard work is copied.

All of my work will be copyrighted, and added to the National copyright office of the United States. If you have any questions of copyright then you best look into it. If I should find any of my work hanging in someones house without a certificate of authenticity then you will be sued. This isn't a threat, it is merely a promise which I have full rights to persure.

Now if you frequent my blog and website to see what's new, then you won't be offended by the watermarks. You are always welcome, and please submit a comment once in awhile.

Thanks..

I was surprised today..

Today my wife asked if I would drive her to do a few errands, and I thought ok, I can do this because I had an alliterative motive I wanted to do. I wanted to go by the Standing Bear museum to meet the director of the museum to see about a possible art gallery. After we got our errands taken care of I proceeded to the museum.

When I got in the museum, I was greeted by an attendant that worked with tours in the museum. She proceeded to show me the main show room, which is a large round room. The areas six tribes have displays depicting what they want indivdually. The Osage, Tonkawa, Pawnee, Otoe-Missouria, Kaw, and Ponca. The tribes can show their own variations of how they want to be portrayed. I was looking at all of the displays, then came back around to the Ponca tribe, and saw a sign that said under construction.

I asked the attendant why there was a under construction sign up there. She said they were in the middle of a transition with the Ponca tribe. The person that was on display had just removed his things from the display case. They were waiting for the next show case. I asked who that might be, and the attendant said it is suppose to be Sid Armstrong! My jaw hit the floor! I said well that is me! I pulled out one of my cards and handed it to her. I think she was as surprised as I was. She then took me to meet the director of the museum TL Walker. TL is a very nice lady, we exchanged cards, and after the shock subsided some, I told her I would begin to move in next week after Memorial day holiday. Talk about a surprise..to say the least.

Only thing I need to figure out is what I will display.

Oldest living Otoe Missouria passes on at 103

STILLWATER — Cecelia Moore, 103, of Stillwater, went home on Sunday, May 17, 2009, in Stillwater.

The funeral will be held at noon Wednesday, May 20, at the Otoe-Missouria Cultural Complex with the Rev. Warren Duane Pratt Jr. officiating. Interment will be in the Otoe-Missouria Tribal Cemetery, Red Rock. Strode Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

She was born Jan. 26, 1906, in Black Bear to Charles Moore and Laura Saunders Moore.

She was the oldest member of the Otoe Tribe and a member of the Bear Clan. Epageme "Fire Woman" was her Otoe name. She was one of the last fluent speakers of the Otoe language. She was very proud of her heritage and wanted to make sure her culture was passed to the next generation. She accomplished this by teaching younger generations the Otoe language and culture. She raised many children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Edgar Moore and Walter Moore; one sister, Hildegard Moore Harris; and one infant sister.

Condolences may be emailed to the family and an online obituary may be viewed by visiting www.strodefh.com.

She will be missed by everyone. We lost a precious jewel today, she lived a blessed life for many to try to live up too.

Hanging my work boots and gloves up for good!

Well, when I got to work Monday morning, I had no idea how the day was going to go. I had been hearing about the low interest rates on the 30 yr T-bill and the PBGC. Both are down, and at all time lows. My money man called me on Friday and notified me of the info. So when I got to work I just had to investigate it. I in turn called the people in charge of retirements, and before it was all said and done, I had locked in on the current rate, and prepared for my retirement.

I called the clerk and set up vacation for the rest of the month of May, and will be officially retired on June 1st. Don't get no better than that! I actually feel pretty good about it. Past 2 days here at home have been nothing but jubilation. I am still coping and adjusting to the idea of not ever getting up to go to work again.
Now if I want to get up early it will be because I want too, not for someone else! To work toward that kind of freedom is what it's all about!

Now when I think about what I am going to do, I can honestly think about what I am going to paint! That is freedom!

Just sharing my latest and greatest..

Another Gallery upcoming soon!

Ok, I went to the opening for Linda Rous, her name is pronounced like Rose. Come to find out she is renowned through out the country, and has been painting for over 40 years now. I had a chance to visit with her, and the formal invite for my gallery will be coming in the mail. She did mention it will be a one day show. On a Saturday, during the annual alumni gathering in Fairview, Okla. She said there will be a lot of people there at that time, which sounded promising. I must say I was impressed with her no face doll creations. Very lovely work. Each one is individual, no two alike. Some even had beads hanging on them. Definitely something to see if you ever get a chance. Here are a couple of sites she has. Website #1 and Website #2

Changes with the season happening now..

Getting up early everyday is a way of life my folks taught us. It is just something we all aspire to do. To get up and go to work. To provide for your family. To have a good feeling in your heart that you know you did a good days work. To sweat, and toil, for something that eventually will get you to a place where you can one day say, I have had enough! To work and save, to save and work. To do without so you can have something later.

We see it everyday where someone we may work with who hasn't had the chance to retire and enjoy the benefits of his/her retirement or pension. They pass without ever getting to enjoy it. This is one of the fears I have lived with for the past several years now. This coming Monday I will reach the age of 58. Still a youngster, but old enough to know I have officially had enough of the same ole same ole. 35 yrs 4 mos. of it is enough.

I got a call Friday from my money man who said if I am going to do it, then we need to be getting things done now. He said the interest rates are going up July 1st, which will lower my lump sum amount for retirement. I told him lets get together and talk about it then.

So I honestly don't know yet how things will be, or which direction I will go, but I do know one thing for sure, I am alive today, and hope to be come July 1st. I pray and hope that I will be able to enjoy sometime during retirement. After all I do have a new grand daughter we haven't seen yet and we are am dying to see.

She was born on Jan. 8th, of 09'. She is the oldest of my oldest, and I am the oldest of my generation as well. She is special to all of us. One thing for sure, she will be spoiled rotten once grandpa gets her.. lol

My Mother is recovering well today from her major back surgery, and sounds like she is getting back to her old self again. She got to walk to the corner and back which is about 1/2 a block. So her strength is coming back slowly. Her doctor told her she was looking good and everything was healing fine. I think she sleeps better these days.

Since I just had my first art gallery, I took a picture of the sign that the center has out front. I hope that sometime in the near future you can attend one of my shows. I plan to make more art shows, on a larger scale. I will see how things go for me in the future.

The Ponca tribe has asked me if I would be interested in preparing a booth in the Clyde Warrior memorial museum at White Eagle. I accepted and will wait for their call to let me know when I can begin. Should be interesting since they asked me if I would hang traditional regalia besides my art work. I will see about some bead work, and some feather work. The booth will run for about 6 months.

My other projects involve finishing a portrait of my late Aunt Jo Phoneix, Dad's younger sister who passed recently in Lakeside Calif. The Barona tribe built a new library and named it after her. The family asked me to do this portrait of her, so they can hang it in the library. I am probably about 1/2 way through it, and need one more photo of my Aunts broadcloth dress to finish it. My cousin said she will get me a jpg. of it.

I want to wish all the Mothers a happy Mothers day for the 10th. I will call my Mom in the AM. My wife will call her Mom in Germany as well. Our son is going to drive over from Bartlesville and prepare his Mom some German brauts, with potato salad. Sounds like a nice meal, and look forward to it.

One of our families life long friends passed this past week Hank Katzuta of Apache, Okla. He was 81. He and my Dad were Indian brothers, who played fast pitch softball together in their hayday. Uncle Hank was catcher, and a good one. They were good enough to go to the National fast pitch softball tournament 3 different times, and represent the State of Oklahoma. They were good! The pitchers they had were something to see.
I recall games they played where they would win with the score 1-0. Nothing but awesome pitching. Uncle Hank will be missed. He is with all his brothers now, and is in a much better place. We don't have to worry anymore about him. God speed.

Lots of changes going on right now, and hopefully everything will turn out fine when it is all said and done. I will attend another opening tomorrow with a Native American artist from Fairview, Okla. Linda Rous, who is a wonderful artist. I had the chance to meet her the other day and she hinted to me about doing a gallery out at Fairview. I will visit some more with her tomorrow about it.

Everyone have a safe week. I will post more as things happen. Thanks for reading.

Spirits watch over us!

I have a friend that I met through Photoshop, who takes wonderful photos of hoot owls, eagles, yellowhammers. Significant birds of our people. Sacred birds, and I feel very fortunate to have made Connie and her husband's acquaintance. I now have an unlimited source of photos I can use to paint with.

These past few days have been very trying here, with tornado warnings. The local TV stations here are very good with keeping you abreast to all the warnings. They have storm chasers out looking for funnels that drop out of the clouds, relaying the info back to the station, and airing it for everyone to see. They do a great job in keeping everyone informed.

Connie had submitted a picture of a hoot owls face, I took that picture and I did a hurry up job of it, with a tornado that happened in Enid, Okla. I have no shortness of inspiration living here. Living here, keeps you very mindful of the creator's power, and his grace. We pray a lot for our home, and for those that maybe in the line of fire with a tornado.

This is the end result of what I did. Enjoy..

3d digital art work, is fasinating..

Click here to see!

Art Gallery is a success!

It's funny cause your thinking, that so and so said they will come to the show, but for some reason they don't make it. On the flip side of that coin, you see people you had no idea would come. Then people purchase prints, who you never even met before. The place was packed! More people than I expected. A lot of the people were my relatives, but mostly friends.

The reception offered a nice atmosphere with refreshments.

When it was all said and done, I was approached by the board about putting on a class for digital art. I didn't see that one coming! I will have to see how that all goes, after the gallery finishes next month!

It was a success! My wife and I both feel completely exhausted now.. Time for a break!

Check my website out.. I just added my latest renderings!

When everything was perfect, the ancestors gathered for a Native American Church meeting. One time the Buffalo would run it, next time it would be the bear, or the eagle, the clan leaders would take turns leading the service. The bear, and buffalo would go by the season. Spring and summer the buffalo is in charge. In the fall and winter, the bear would lead since it was their time to be in charge. The other clans would get permission to run things. There is an order to how things are conducted among the Otoe Missouria. At one time there were either 11 or 12 clans of the Otoe, but only 7 today.

Regardless of what happens tomorrow

I will be thankful regardless of how tomorrow goes. I can still say Mom, and she is here with me for my first gallery. Both my younger brothers will be there with their children. However my baby sister won't be able to make it, since she had to work this weekend. I know her heart will be with all of us. I know how her heart is. 2 of my 3 sons will be here. My oldest son lives in Idaho, he won't be here. He is busy taking care of my grand daughter. My daughter in Germany won't be here either. Hopefully she will be getting her final results for her thesis she recently submitted.

I still have a few elders living, and hopefully one or two will be able to attend. I have a Uncle that is in a wheelchair, he wants to come see my work. I really feel honored that my Uncle wants to come. I will check on a ramp for him to roll up and down on.

If anyone else comes it will only add frosting to the cake, and for that I will be thankful.

I will be starting a painting of my Aunt. She passed a few years ago, and since that time the Barona reservation in Southern Calif. has named a library after her. The family asked me if I would do a portrait of her. I said I will do my best.
I got a few photos today from my Mom, my cousins sent with her when she was out in Calif. recently.

So for tomorrow however it goes, I will be thankful for everything I have today.

Ponca City art center makes art gallery announcement

See here!

I have been waiting for this now for some time, and it is finally announced. I think I have everything ready to go. I will gather up my inventory for the art center to use. Otherwise I think I am ready. I will be showing 14 paintings. I am still working on my self portrait, and won't have it done by next week.

I plan to move everything in the art center this week, and hope to have everything in place for the opening next Sunday.

Please come join me and my family for this occasion.

Giving credit where credit is due!

My friend and partner Dave Nelsen who does all my printing for me, has been very busy in some new discoveries with framing. I had asked him to see what he could do with my Donnie painting, and I think he surpassed all of my expectations. He actually superseded them. A frame inside a frame, with what feels like a very soft foam. He said it is a fabric with a foam board behind it. The color of the frame itself is pewter. The color of the fabric is purple, to compliment the red and blue colors I used in this painting. I couldn't be more happy with the end result. I think it will only add to the art show!

I wanted to display the frame and mat work I finished last night as well. I really like how it finished. I hope people will like what I do. Thanks for looking, Sid

Friday is Native American New Year!

Among the Otoe Missouria the Bear clan is in charge or Chief, during the fall and winter months. Before calenders the ancestors would go by a tree frog that would let them know spring time is here. When the newest grass shoots come up, and the temperature warms, New life is celebrated. This coming Friday we will have our Buffalo clan lodge. It is an opportunity for Buffalo clan members to cleanse themselves from the long winter. It is our time to take over as Chiefs or be in charge through the spring and summer months. Kinda like the changing of the guard. This has been planned for sometime now. We will have our elder of the Buffalo clan lead the sweat lodge for us. We have clan members coming from different places around the country. We even have visiting tribes that join in with the blessing. We will ask blessing for the spring, and summer for all the tribe. Mid July is the Otoe encampment(powwow). We will ask for a good year, that the creator will be merciful upon us. I want to wish everyone a good spring, as we draw closer to the Easter season. Thank you for reading.

Merle Haggard and John Anderson put on a great show!

Wife and I had a chance to get out last night. First time in awhile since we had a chance to get out. We had gone to the Tulsa Blues fest. in the past, but I think they stopped it. Not too many musician/artists we will go see. When we heard that Merle Haggard was coming to town, we quickly looked into a couple of tickets to attend. We honestly had no idea what we was getting into, because that was a sold out crowd at the First Council Casino, North of Newkirk, Ok. at Chilocco. It actually sits right next to the Kansas state line. So about half the crowd was from Kansas.
John Anderson came out first, we didn't know he was on the ticket with Merle. He actually did a good show. All of his hit songs.
Merle Haggard didn't need to do nothing but be hisself, and his show was awesome. All of the old great ones. He still has it!
Maybe they will bring Willie Nelson to town now. I look forward to going back, depending on who is performing. Looks like they will have performers coming in all through the year.
The set up that First Council has is a humongous tent. I understand they hold boxing fights there as well as tough man fights.
First Council has a pretty good buffet for those of you that may be looking at eating then go to a show. Wife and I don't gamble, so the casino won't get any money from us in that respect, but we will go eat. Crab legs was on the menu last night, along with prime rib. Not to bad for a place out in the country.

Ponca Powwow history through my eyes..

As old as Ponca Powwow is, I still enjoy going to look on, and listen to the songs. Those old songs never get too old to listen too. I remember going to the powwow as a small boy, and there was so many dancers. Lot's of straight dancers. Looked like all the men would wear black vests with bandannas around their necks. A Ponca trait. I remember looking at the dancers and could tell what tribe they were just by the way they dressed. Something you can't hardly tell today!

The fancy dancers had come some distance from when the first fancy dancers (Gus MacDonald) had started at the Ponca Powwow. I remember one man in particular when attending the powwow. When you saw him dance you could automatically tell who he was, by the tall frame, and the high head dress, (no roach)the black and blue costume of Garland Kent Sr. He was the benchmark of Ponca powwow fancy dance in his day. I know the older tribal memebers from around the surrounding area, of the Tonkawa, Osage, Otoe Missouria, Pawnee, and Kaw tribes, remember GK when he danced. He was always fun to watch during the contest on Sunday night.

I had contacted him, and visited with him about his dancing, and was able to get a few photographs of him from Lucy (his wife).

I wanted to capture that image on a mat, as the way I remember his dancing. After a couple of start, erase, and start overs. I was finally able to finish what I had intended in the first place.

I won't show this painting until the gallery at the Ponca City art center, but just wanted you to know what I have been doing here the past few days. I already sent it on to Dave, my printer for press. I will have prints available for sale, for those of you that may be interested.

Do any of you remember the Indian two step going in a giant round circle, with nothing added to it? Two steps forward one step back, turn pivot and keep going. It was that way I remember when the two step was danced. There always was a clown in the arena too, wearing a weird straight dance costume. Used to scare the heck out of us kids too.. Funny today when you think back to how things used to be in the big arena. A very scared place, the clown was a whip man. Kept order in the arena.

My late Grandmother along with 3 other Ponca women, (all grandmas) were the very first women to go out around the big drum and sing with the men. That was forbidden until they broke the rule. Lots of history in our family with the big drum.

Thanks for reading.. aho!

ArtNatAm featured artist webpage at last!!

Marten Jensen resides in the Netherlands. He is the web master of ArtNatAm he sent me an email today notifying me of my web page being up and live now! I have been waiting for this for some time now. Total elation! I just sent him several more paintings for him to add to the site for me.

I was preoccupied with the upcoming art gallery here in Ponca City next month, I had honestly forgotten about it. Now that it is up now, makes things much better all the way around. When you do a google search on Native American Art the first page up is ArtNatAm. This excites me!!!! Should get some good responses now.

3 more paintings completed and ready for the Gallery!

I have the painting of the buckskin lady dancer complete, and will send it on for printing. I finished another one the first Otoe Meeting, that depicts all 7 clans in one meeting. I already sent it on for printing. I finished another one last night in the series of painted faces. This one I did is of my youngest brothers son, my nephew Donnie. He is a traditional dancer, who has won many contests for his dancing. He is a proud father today, and has a good woman by his side. Someone to help keep him grounded.
I thought I would go ahead and post his painting I just finished.

Friday I began my diet..

I recently got an old VHS tape from my Mom, she had in her closet. The date was 1984 on it. I recorded it at my late Grandmothers birthday dance. At one point you could see my waist line, and I think I must have been wearing size 34 waist pants. My nephews and nieces watching with me couldn't believe that was me. Everyone laughed, kinda of a loud message to me! I even had a full head of hair!

So this past Friday I made my mind up, I want to lose some weight, and I think a realistic goal would be to lose 40 lbs. To be a size 34 again. I would be lean and mean.. lol I do know the older we get the harder it becomes to lose weight. I will first need to learn to be patient. Keep it simple, one day at a time approach I think will be best.

I want to look good this spring, and summer. For those of you that want to lose weight or are already on a diet. I wish you well, good luck, and hang in there.

Ladies Buckskin dancer..

In this painting I was compelled to paint a dress I attempted to design for my sister. She looks very beautiful in that dress. I still feel proud when she wears that dress and dances to our tribal songs.

True idenity, and understanding

I am very thankful for who I am, and the god given talent I possess. I know that there are some people that will go through life never knowing of this way of life. I feel sorry for those that walk aimlessly. I can only pray for those that want something better will find it!

I just left a comment on a fellow artists blog, and was inspired to write this, since it had to do with so called "trading post trash art" I know there is a place, maybe China, that has cheap child labor where they are tieing together dream catchers, printing out thousands of prints of a Indian on a horse, or a Eagle by a nest. Or maybe they are carving a small statue of Geronimo. All of this with a price tag of el cheapo!

Lot's of thoughts go through my mind about this cheap form of so called NAART. Which in it's own form is a lie! And against the law! Since we have our own copyright laws that govern who gets to do what, when it comes to NAART.

One teaching my Father left me was if you can't say something good then don't say anything. Or sometimes it may not be your place to say something. When it comes to this though, I must speak up. I want to add that I do not want to talk down to any mans culture anywhere in this world, including the Chinese. I know that their culture had preserved items and artifacts that their ancestors had performed at one time or another, and I respect that! I would never try to imitate it or try to down grade their society. Our people are a tiny minority in this world today, and what we do have everyone wants! We had flintstone pipes, and we kept very sacred. They possessed power for healing, and for prayer. We knew they helped sustain life. The keepers lived much longer than that of the average man. Those things were very sacred and respected to our people. Never used for decorations! Only used as instruments of the creator. I think you are getting my point here. I am only wanting to convey that we as a people are not into disrespecting another mans culture.

As a true Native American artist, I guess you can say it is a form of flattery, that someone must imitate you, since they have no idea of how we come up with our beliefs, traditions. They only want something we can't give to them. It is not ours to give, since it came from the creator. Something all Native Americans are born with. All of my relatives are like a walking song dictionary, can sing 500 songs at any given moment, or can paint something from pure emotion that came from a vision. You can't give that away, or teach it. You have to be born with it.

I really didn't want to get into the political side of things, but I feel I must say something along these lines, since it does effect the pure fabric of our Native American way of life. The previous administration went out around the world and went for that free trade agreement. Here we are now, allowing this to come into our country, because someone thought it was a better idea to let a different Man do our work for us. Any Native American that can't see this must be blind.

We went to a powwow last fall, and walked to the arts and crafts booths to see what was out there. We were able to get a local artist to sign the back of a t-shirt with his logo on it, which was cool, since he was one of my relatives. Then we went to the other booths saw some fine silver and turquoise jewelery. Then we saw booths with nothing but cheap trash for sale. .99 cent bamboo flutes with chicken feathers on it. Stuff more aimed at children, but all of it is cheap.

I am only hoping that the present administration will do something to help improve this so called trade agreement, and stop some of this stuff from even coming into our country. The other thing that we can do here, is the powwow committees that allow these booths come into their powwows, need to screen the vendors. I know the almighty dollar speaks volumes, especially in this economic disaster we are currently living in. It just needs to start somewhere, and I know the present administration is doing everything it can to help improve the situation it was given by the last administration.

I only hope that one day soon the Native American will once again get what is his back! Since it was not his to be given away in the first place!!

When you look at things this way, then it does make things much easier to do art about your heritage, and traditions. I do believe that we must continue with our art, along with our beliefs. When we do this then no man can imitate that. Then when someone does purchase a print with a certificate of authenticity, signed by the artist and numbered, they will know in their hearts that what they possess is the real deal! Not something made in a 3rd world country at the hands of child labor. Just a Sunday afternoon rant.. Thanks for reading! As always comments are welcome!
Go Cards!

Gallery date is set! April 5th, 2009

Things are finally coming together in regards to the gallery. The chairman called me yesterday, and informed me of the dates and time of everything. I will move my paintings in the gallery on Sat. April 4th. The art center will set everything up for me. Then Sunday the 5th the reception will be held from 1pm to 5pm.

Something I haven't said before today is there will be another artist there at the same time. The center is bringing in a fabric artist, who will be on display at the same time.


Everything is good thus far, if I can only finish about 4 or 5 more works of art. I will see how it transpires.

Mark you calenders, and please come join me for my first Art gallery!
Wee-blah-ho!

35 years working for one Co.

Yesterday I hit 35 years working for the same company. When I hired in with them, I had no thoughts of working that long for one company. I thought I would retire before now. Not to be however. The economy kinda dictates to us how things will be. I can only continue to work a couple more years, and hopefully the economy will recover some to make it more attractive to want to retire. I do hope the Health care system gets a face lift too. Make things more affordable for everyone.

Well even without a whimper I hit this mark in my life, and just hope lord willing I will make it a couple more years health wise, and can retire.

I never understood why people who do retire, wind up going back to work. I guess their bucket they have their money in, must have a hole in it. I do know as long as I am healthy, and can continue to work, I will. By the time I finally do retire, I want it to be a retirement. At that time I will paint full time, or when I feel like it, and not because I have too. As how it should be!

Tomorrow {Friday} my company is taking my family, along with some fellow workers out for a large banquet on my behalf. I am thankful, that my Mother is home at this time to join us. Times like this I sure miss my Father.. just some thoughts and emotions..
Thanks for reading..

Added 3 more paintings to my web site

Busy Saturday, was busy with Twitter today increasing my followers. I also added 3 more prints to my web site. Go see at here.

I have a good idea of how I want to compliment the Chicken dancer now. I will be adding a woman dancer that will face him. I have another good idea for a third painting to go with them as well. You will have to wait for it though.

I will keep you posted to how things come along. Still working toward the gallery in April.

Cusp of falling off into dream land I saw this

I had heard that when your right on the cusp of falling into rem-sleep your mine is as clear as it can be. When you have a vision at this time it has potential to be something either great or maybe not so great. lol All I know is I knew what I wanted to paint when I saw this. I know when you see traditional Native American Art it will have a certain type of dancer, but in this case my dancer is by no means of that certain type, he has his own style.

Another thing that I liked when doing this is how receptive my wife was about the outcome of it. She really loves this painting. I will prepare it for the gallery, and have it listed in my website for sale as well. Hope you like it as well. Please leave a comment. Thanks, Sid

Opened up a squidoo site.

I am wanting a site that can help generate more traffic in my web site, so my wife recommended I try squidoo. I don't think it will hurt. Anything to help get the word out there. Click Here!

Today we went to the Art gallery reception for 3 artists that are featured this month.
Gene Dougherty, a watercolor artist, Ron Kuykendall, a ceramic/sculpture artist, and Marcia Zuvanich a oil canvas artist. My old instructor from my college days Gene Dougherty still has the touch. His work is wonderful to look at. I think we will get a print from him before the gallery finishes. We have a few weeks to figure out which print we want.
Interesting to meet fellow artists. Marcia is a local artist, Kuykendall is from Wichita Falls, Tx. They all said they will come back to my gallery in April.

When my friend Dave gets back home from San Diego tomorrow, I will talk to him about making up some different print sizes for my web site. Some need to offer smaller sizes, and one needs to offer a larger size.

2 more paintings..

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In Sept. I was able to capture some of my nephews and relatives with some pretty good shots. I was able to use those photos to paint from. I think the end result turned out pretty good. I will be posting them in my website in a day or two.