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This beautiful poster is signed and numbered. The cost is only $30.00 (free shipping anywhere in the U.S.!). To order call us at 405/842-0407 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. (CST), Tuesday through Saturday. We accept all major credit cards. To order by mail, enclose check or money order payable to Mittie Cooper and mail to 800 N.W. 50th, Oklahoma City, OK 73118. Please allow 2 to 4 weeks for delivery. |
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Jean Bales |
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Many people, viewing Indian art for the first time, expect to find a deep meaning or legend from the artist’s cultural background. They expect the artist to be a spokesman for the “Indian” point of view. |
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“This is a misconception,” says Iowa Indian artist Jean Bales. “Some artists may do that, but for myself a painting is a visual expression that each person must interpret for himself. There is nothing cut-and-dried, nothing down pat, and I’m certainly not going to conjure any racial tall tales.” That is not to say that she does not portray the Indian way of life. Her work deals with the culture and the everyday life of the plains Indian. It also deals with Pueblo Indians and pretty Indian women dressed and ready for the rodeo parade. To put Bales’ work in a category would be very difficult, except to say that she works at continually changing and improving. “I have to enjoy my work,” says the artist who has painted professionally since 1970. “Even if a certain type of work is selling, when I get tired of it I just move on to something else.” Of course, her protrayal of Indian life, religion and culture is important to her. There are only 243 Iowa Indians left on tribal roles, only 24 of these (including Bales’ mother) are fullblooded. She is an official historian for the tribe and has used much of the research in her artwork. |
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If there is one aspect of her art career that stands out, it is her determination. Bales decided to become a full time artist in 1970. Since that time she has logged thousands of miles traveling to enter art show after art show. She has never entered one that she has not received an award. It has been important to her career. “The art market is fickle,” says the artist, “You have to keep going and keep entering these shows to keep your work in people’s minds.”Bales has an open manner and she enjoys talking with people about her work. She talks to little old ladies that think her paintings are “cute” and she talks with gallery owners about technique. Bales enjoys the company of other artists; she loves to trade ideas and give encouragement when another artist is feeling down about their work. |
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