J. Nelson

Original Acrylic Paintings

Biography
 
I believe that my paintings and the talent to paint are a gift from our Grandfather. My paintings are based on the spirit, legends, points of history, and the Mother Earth spirituality.
As a painter, I feel privileged to be able to display my work for people to observe and collect. During the painting process. the messages I try to tell, creates tremendous emotions within. I attempt to transfer these same emotions to my viewers.

I was born in Lewiston, Idaho in 1943; a descendent of Wendal Phillips, notes Indian Rights activist of the 1980's. Native people and their rights became an important part of the Philipps heritage. Much of my childhood was spent with my grandmother Phillips in Nez Perce country where she taught me Native American lore and stories. I was encouraged at an early age to respect and understand "The People".

Later, I moved to South Dakota and spent more of my younger years around the Lakota tribal lands. At the time I often tagged along behind my father and his friend, sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski, and watched the work on the Crazy Horse Monument. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to observe Korczak sculpt. He would often tell me: "Artistic talent is a gift given to you, it can very seldom be taught to you". He would emphasize, "Be bold. Always be bold. Know your subject until you feel your subject is you". With Korczak's inspiration and advise, I continued my study of the Indian ways.

Through the years, I have been investigating my own given talents. When I started painting I decided to specialize in the subjects I have been drawn to all of my life, the Lakota and Northern Cheyenne. It has taken more than 30 years for me to feel my work is bold enough to show. the intense colors I paint with have deep spiritual meaning to the Native People. I use strong colors to reflect the boldness, independence and nobility of a proud people. I see "The People" as strong and powerful, and I can only hope that my love and appreciation will show through my work.

I am honored that the gift which was given to me has been so widely received. Thank you very much for the time you have spent looking at my work.