Calmly She Turns

by James Ayers

Edition Size: 95

Lakota Maiden

Learn More About Calmly She Turns
Technique details
This painting is successful because of its simplicity. The Lakota woman featured here is depicted in a soft, loose style that gives a flow-y feel to the work. The reason I could achieve these fluid effects is that I painted the original on a very large canvas -- and when the scale of the work area increases, I can take advantage of the freedom of movement by utilizing big brushes and unrestrained strokes.
Subject matter
In her hand, the woman is holding a feather fan. This would be used to reduce heat, to fan smudge smoke onto the body for purification, and to look fashionable. Her garment is adorned with elaborate beadwork and includes a utilitarian knife. Unlike many of my works, I used a live model for this painting. The woman pictured here is a sister of the wife of one of my friends. I chose her for Calmly She Turns because of her elegant-yet-strong appearance.