Featured Artist Linda Whitney

Printmaker Linda Whitney presents her portfolio of mezzotints inspired by Native American dances and traditions. See more artwork on her website.

 

"Red Jingle Dress III" mezzotint, 18" x 12" by Linda Whitney. See her artist feature at www.ArtsyShark.com

“Red Jingle Dress III” mezzotint, 18″ x 12″

 

The coming of the Europeans to this Turtle Island brought about the near annihilation of the indigenous people of this region. These historic and grand cultures were all but decimated in a few short years and those left standing were cheated of their traditions, religion, and freedoms. But, the ancient voices were not silenced and the drumbeats are strong again.

 

"Red Quilled Cape II" mezzotint, 18" x 12" by Linda Whitney. See her artist feature at www.ArtsyShark.com

“Red Quilled Cape II” mezzotint, 18″ x 12″

 

The celebration of the powwow is one public declaration of the strength and tenacity of the indigenous cultures of this continent. The magnificent regalia is a reminder of this complex history and a symbol of the texture of contemporary times.

 

"Snow Moon Dancer" mezzotint, 24" x 18" by Linda Whitney. See her artist feature at www.ArtsyShark.com

“Snow Moon Dancer” mezzotint, 24″ x 18″

 

This body of work was born out of my appreciation for those indigenous cultures of this continent and those who participate in the powwow. The feeling of the drums vibrating in one’s chest, the sound of the songs, the athleticism of the dancers, and the beautiful regalia they create and wear inspire the direction of my images.

 

"Red Quilled Star Cape" mezzotint, 18" x 12" by Linda Whitney. See her artist feature at www.ArtsyShark.com

“Red Quilled Star Cape” mezzotint, 18″ x 12″

 

I try to capture the feeling of dancers movement, whether it’s the subtle steps of the women’s traditional dance or the energetic approach of the women’s fancy shawl dance or men’s fancy dance. Or, at times the beginning steps of the tiny tot dancers. At times color is an important factor but the various and variety of texture of the time honored regalia is preeminent.

 

"Fancy Shawl Dancer" mezzotint, 24" x 18" by Linda Whitney. See her artist feature at www.ArtsyShark.com

“Fancy Shawl Dancer” mezzotint, 24″ x 18″

 

Mezzotint is my method. Copper plates, serrated rockers, hand held burnishers and scrapers, printers ink and paper, an etching press and time are my tools. Each copper plate feels the bite of the serrated rocker as it passes in sixteen to twenty-four different directions during hundreds of hours of rocking and creating thousands of divots in the surface.

 

"Red Quilled Cape" mezzotint, 18" x 12" by Linda Whitney. See her artist feature at www.ArtsyShark.com

“Red Quilled Cape” mezzotint, 18″ x 12″

 

The rough impression of those divots create a rich black image when printed. The image then is pulled forth by slowly burnishing and scrapping those divots in numerous ways with various pressure to create the texture of a feather, a quilled cape or vest, leather, beads, shells, bone and hair. And in doing create an image with hues of black and white and a multitude of shades of gray.

 

"Jingle Dancers" mezzotint, 24" x 18" by Linda Whitney. See her artist feature at www.ArtsyShark.com

“Jingle Dancers” mezzotint, 24″ x 18″

 

The drums, the songs, the dancing, and the regalia are the celebration of magnificent and historic cultures of this continent. My process and the resulting mezzotints are my way of honoring the people and their history.

 

 

 

Want to stay current on cutting edge business articles from Artsy Shark, plus artist features, and an invitation to the next Call for Artists? Click below to sign up for our twice-monthly email. You’ll get all this plus opportunities and special offers that you can’t get anywhere else!

Sign Up For Updates!

Comments

  1. Thank you Carolyn for featuring Linda Whitney and her art on the Artsy Shark website. I learned so much more about her from your featured article. It’s amazing that her art is so inspirational and significant. I also appreciate that you gave Linda your Special Recognition Award in the Manhattan Arts International HERStory exhibition and for everything you do for the art community. Best wishes, Renee

    • Thanks, Renee. I feel that Linda’s work transcends her medium, sending a message about her passion for her subjects, and capturing the spirit of their culture.

Speak Your Mind

*