American Indian culture shapes sculptor's work
Childhood among diverse tribes inspires Denton artist
"I'd hide (Indian figures) in the trees. In the bark, sometimes. I'd sell a piece and a while later get a call from someone asking me about the things I'd hidden in it," he said.
"I don't know what happened exactly with the sculpture. It just hit me between the eyes. I'm part-Indian, and there is so much about them that hasn't been said. I guess I always wanted to show them as a people, not as savages."
This guy is full of crap! I wonder if he tries to sell his Waldo inspired art as authentic Indian art. All of his comments about Indians such as "The Native Americans were fascinated with eagles" or "They'd climb up and look into the nests, and a lot of them dreamed of flying and "American Indians didn't name their children until they could discern the boy's or girl's character" sounds like they were taken straight from a book or a bad Hollywood movie.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately the general public just eats this kind of crap up. There's nothing one can do unless he violates the Indian Arts and Crafts Act, which it doesn't look like he's done "yet."
Anonymouse
The article briefly indicated that Cadell is white, though it could've emphasized the point more. I doubt he'd suddenly claim to be an Indian.
ReplyDeleteCadell did speak in unfortunate generalities and clichés about Indians. Oddly, he said the bear represents aggression and power, not love. (See A Bearable Brother Bear for more on the subject.)