posted
40,000 years old. That's 20,000 years before the first man stepped on the Americas!!!!!!
If you refer to my post on Jeff Wisdoms thread about floor canvases, you will get the first part of the story.
anyway heres the images again of the work John Rigby and I did.
I thought I would share some of the old mans explanations of the elements.
The circle is a meeting place and how it is constructed colours etc denotes what it was for. The trails denote who came and how. Note side circles. Camps?
The figure with the spear and boomerang is a spirit from central Australia.
Another interesting aspect is that most of their animal art is "X-RAY" showing internal organs and possibly the best parts to eat.
All this was done on cave walls and bark using natural ochres and sticks. Flat for the dots and chewed ends for a brush.
Bit older than you Si
Amazing stuff. I saw some 10 foot figures up north in Catherine Gorge 60ft up the cliff face. Mind you they were so old the river bed was probably at that level then!
AND they invented the first AIRBRUSH!!!!!
If you look by my left leg you will see a "hand print" ... their personal signature, and very common. They filled their mouths full of watered down ochre and blew it around their hand on the wall!
Basicly these artworks have endured the length of time because they are stone ochres on stone. As long as they are protected from erosion they will last forever.
There's lots more to the history and techniques. I have several locals teaching me now and then.
They are VERY protective of their art now, because in the past for a few bucks you could pick up a painting that took hours of work and resell it for thousands! Then their was the reproductions. I have to tread a very fine line in my work.
Now you know why I am fascinated with their art and culture.
[ April 15, 2010, 05:16 PM: Message edited by: Jon Butterworth ]
posted
And then we came along as you said Jon,such is how the future begins. Picaso, could only wish such skills as they have.
Thanks for the scenes.
-------------------- Jack Wills Studio Design Works 1465 E.Hidalgo Circle Nye Beach / Newport, OR Posts: 2914 | From: Rocklin, CA. USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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posted
The middle picture looks like it's got a Kanggaroo, a Kiwi bird and a Ausi Beaver, "the Platypus"
-------------------- Signs by Alicia Jennings (Mudflap Girl) Tacoma, WA Since 1987 Have Lipstick, will travel. Posts: 3812 | From: Tacoma, WA. U.S.A. | Registered: Dec 1999
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posted
That's not traditional art Sonny. Nowdays a lot of them are blending ancient and modern with spectacular results.
Looking at it the "trail" suggests a journey thru life and the dots maybe encouters. But I am guessing.
I do recognise a Digerdoo (native windpipe) but the rest without close detail, who knows.
My friend from central Australia now living in Toowoomba was taught the tradional way and legends by his grandfather. He makes good money with his paintings. But, his new modern style using his old culture are frigging awsome!
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