Mother Earth, David V. Lee

Artwork Overview

David V. Lee, artist
Cultural affiliations: Diné (Navajo)
1948–1996
Mother Earth, late 1900s
Where object was made: New Mexico, United States
Material/technique: sand; pigment; wood
Dimensions:
Object Height/Width (Height x Width): 30.5 x 15 cm
Object Height/Width (Height x Width): 12 x 5 7/8 in
Frame Dimensions (Height x Width x Depth): 16 3/4 x 10 3/4 x 1 1/2 in
Credit line: Gift of Forrest E. Jones
Accession number: 2007.5825
On display: Michaelis Gallery

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Images

Label texts

Collection Cards: Land

Diné (Navajo) artist David V. Lee used rocks he collected from the land around him to create the sand for his paintings. By using natural materials, he directly connects his art to the land. This painting represents the life-giving energy of the sun and its ability to nurture all living things.
What other materials found in nature might you create paintings with?

Empowerment

Artist David Lee inscribed on the back of Mother Earth: “From the bosom of Mother Earth radiates the life giving energy of the sun, bringing fertility to the womb of Mother Earth, from whence springs the seeds of all living things. / Sands are natural colored rocks (ground).” By using rocks to create the sands for his paintings, Lee maintains a direct connection between the natural, artistic, and spiritual realms.

Empowerment

Artist David Lee inscribed on the back of Mother Earth: “From the bosom of Mother Earth radiates the life giving energy of the sun, bringing fertility to the womb of Mother Earth, from whence springs the seeds of all living things. / Sands are natural colored rocks (ground).” By using rocks to create the sands for his paintings, Lee maintains a direct connection between the natural, artistic, and spiritual realms.

Exhibitions

Susan Earle, curator
Celka Straughn, curator
Kristina Walker, curator
Angela Watts, curator
2022–2027
Cassandra Mesick Braun, curator
Kate Meyer, curator
Angela Watts, curator
2021
Susan Earle, curator
Celka Straughn, curator
Kristina Walker, curator
Angela Watts, curator
2022–2027