Standing Rock Sacred Sun
Water is life, standing rock sacred protectors stand strong in their fire as the ravenous reptiles of corporate greed bring forth mental strife. Sunny sky with the hawks eye connects the essentials for flourishing life. Our handprints on nature must bring peace so open up our hearts & let go of the destructive beasts.
This piece was started at Standing Rock during the North Dakota Access Pipeline Protest. I took a trip to be apart of the historic movement and had two large canvases for people to paint on. While I was working on the larger of the two, a Native American spray paint artist from Texas asked if I had any spare canvas to paint on which I said he could start this one. He did part of the sun, the hands, and stenciled snowflake design throughout. Other Native Americans also contributed to the piece. It’s a representation of the protest and the importance of the life forces that sustain our life. There’s a river running through the middle of the piece and below it, you’ll see a small snake representing the pipeline and a dinosaur personifying the people who are there to ravage and rape the lands for greedy selfish gains. Above the river, you’ll see a Yeti on fire which represents the protestors and their fiery passion to protect their water. The blue hawk is connecting the sun and water together which both are needed to live life. The hands represent our imprint on the World and that we must make wise decisions to protect our land and lives. Finally bottom right there’s a buffalo and elk which represents the majestic nature and regal beauty of existence. This is a highly vibrational piece with explosive color and expression of nature that would look good in any home!
The Standing Rock protests were not just a struggle over land; they were about heritage, environmental sustainability, and the protection of sacred water sources. Artists played a vital role in voicing resistance, incorporating themes of nature, community, and resilience into their work. As the movement garnered global attention, many artists found inspiration in the symbolism of the land and its resources. The river featured in this artwork symbolizes life, while the representations of various creatures advocate for coexistence and respect for all living beings. Further discussions on environmental activism highlight how art can transform societal conversations around ecological preservation, inviting more voices to advocate against corporate overreach and ecological harm. Through visual storytelling, these art pieces create a powerful narrative that transcends words, urging viewers to reflect on their responsibilities toward nature. Many works serve as a call to action, reminding us that water is sacred and life-giving. As we continue to face environmental crises, the artistic expressions emerging from standing rock inspire new generations to fight for our planet. Exploring these themes can motivate everyone to contribute to a sustainable future by respecting and preserving the delicate balance of our ecosystems.
