Native American art original painting by the late Richard Shorty (Northern Tutchone). Acrylic paint on artist's paper. 22" by 15".
Richard Shorty, a renowned Canadian artist of Northern Tutchone and Tlingit heritage, left a profound legacy through his art. One of his notable works, an original painting featuring a yellow heart with an eagle's head within it, adorned by two eagle feathers and cascading red and yellow ribbons, illustrates his artistic vision and cultural resonance.
Shorty's painting strikes us with its simplicity and yet intricate symbolism. The yellow heart, prominently displayed, immediately draws attention—a universal symbol of love and compassion. Within it, the eagle's head emerges, a powerful icon in Indigenous cultures across North America. The eagle symbolizes strength and connection to the spiritual realm—a fitting representation within the heart, perhaps suggesting a union of love and spiritual guidance.
The two eagle feathers hanging from the heart hold significant cultural meaning. In Indigenous traditions, eagle feathers are revered as symbols of honor, respect, and spirituality. They are awarded to individuals for acts of bravery, leadership, or contributions to the community. Placing them alongside the heart reinforces the painting's theme of spiritual connection and cultural pride. The ribbons flowing from the heart add a dynamic element to the composition. Red and yellow, vibrant and eye-catching, these colors are not arbitrary but hold deep cultural significance.
