J. Nelson

j.nelson-art-show

Jim Nelson is a nationally acclaimed painter and storyteller of Lakota legends. Although not native by heritage, his formative years were spent in the shadow of Pine Ridge where he inter-mingled with his Lakota friends from an early age on, coming to know their culture as well as them. Today he paints from his heart, telling these stories and legends through the use of vibrant colors and symbolism. Everything in his work has a meaning.

Explaining the spiritual quality of his work, Nelson states: "I don't just paint a person or an animal; I paint the spirit of that person or animal. It is my hope that the viewer will feel a connection to that spirit and have a better understanding of this proud and noble people."

Today he is highly respected by native people for his ability and desire to carry on the legends of their culture. Through the years he has received many accolades for his work, which is now included in countless national and international private and corporate collections.

J. Nelson Art

JN1-342 Captures the Army Coat $488 12×9 acrylic

SOLD JN1-339 Midnight Hunter 5×7 acrylic

SOLD JN1-348 Daughter of the Buffalo $488 12×9 acrylic

JN1-346 The Doll Maker Dolly 86 $695 11×14 acrylic

SOLD7 JN1-345 Earth Mother’s Dream 10×8 canvas acrylic

#JN1-333 Yellow Moon 8" x 8" $400.00 — #JN1-333 Yellow Face 8″ x 8″ $400.00

JN1-344 The Doll Maker $695 11×14 acrylic

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The Dollmaker

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JN1- 329 and 330 $45.00 each 10″ x 8″ Image

In the Beginning, grandmother made seven dolls for the seven campfires of the Teton circle. Grandmother told the mothers to teach and train the dolls because The People would only be as strong as their ability to teach and train their children.

The dolls were to be handed down through the generations so all of the children to come would have the teachings of the grandmother and the first mother.

These dolls have been recreated by internationally known artist J. Nelson with knowledge, great reverence and respect for the ways of our native american peoples. They emphasize the importance of all of our children, the way that we care for them and the need to teach them the things we should all know in our hearts.
Mitakuye Oyasin

Sunka Wakan; Lakota

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JN1-331 $45.00 8″ x 10″ Print

History of the SUNKA WAKAN

In early times The People traveled with dogs as their main way of transporting their possessions from camp to camp. When they first found the horse wandering the open prairie they thought that the horse was a big dog. Since Grandfather had placed the big dog before them, it was sacred or holy. Sunka Wakan, sacred dog.

In this painting the horse is re; the sacred color. The aura around him shows that he gets his power from Father Sky. The yellow square with four slashes indicates that his is a war leader and has led four war parties. The eagle feather tied in his mane represents that he has distinguished himself in battle. The horse hoof markings on his shoulder tell of the horse raids he has been on. The stripes on his leg show the number of coups counted from his back. The spots on his chest are hail marks; symbolically protecting him from bullets. The four lines from the sky and the earth represent the four sacred directions. The particles rising from the Sunka Wakan’s back signify that Father Sky has touched and given him his spots.

The horse is the animal that changed the way of life for entire people. Sunka Wakan was the gift from Grandfather, the prized possession, the object of status and the power of legends.

The finest mounted cavalry in history was the Native People. The Plains People respected and honored all creatures, but the horse, Sunka Wakan, was their spirit.

J. Nelson Acrylic Paintings

Buffalo Dreamer - Sold — SOLD Buffalo Dreamer 40×30 $5400.00 JN1-327

Earth Mother's Raven — SOLDEarth Mother’s Raven 14 x 11 JN1-324

Looks for Raven's Chief - Sold — SOLDLooks For Raven Chief 40 x 30 $5400.00 JN1-328

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J. Nelson, Lakota Sioux Folklore Paintings

All pieces depict figures of Lakota Sioux Folklore ; colors, patterns, and shapes all have sacred meaning. These pieces are powerful in their depiction of spirit and tradition.

Color Key:
Blue: Represents Sky Father
Red: Represents the sun
Green: Represents Earth Mother
Yellow: Represents the rocks and high mountains.
*These four powers are one, and they make up the Wakan Tanka**. The Great Spirit, the great mystery.*
Purple: Represents wisdom, shaman, elders, and teachers.

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SOLD 9″ x 10″ #JN1-316 Inyan (The Stone) $550

J.Nelson’s Symbolic Spirits of the Lakota Sioux

We have been re-inspired lately by the richness and deep symbolism of J.Nelson’s work. Although not native by heritage, his formative years were spent in the shadow of Pine Ridge where he inter-mingled with his Lakota friends from an early age on, coming to know their culture as well as them. Today he paints from his heart, telling these stories and legends through the use of vibrant colors and symbolism. Everything in his work has a meaning.
Click on Images to Enlarge