At its core, Grand Prismatic Peace is a tribute to the style of the Plains Native people, who painted hides that served as coverings, clothing and bedding. As clothing, they were worn with the fur on the inside against the body, providing warmth and comfort, while the painted images on the exterior commemorated and depicted stories of family history, battles and visions.
To create this unique work of art, Christina soaked the hide and applied a watered down acrylic paint, a technique she created to preserve the flexibility and durability of the natural leather, while also protecting it from future wear and tear.
Charcoal, pastels and prismacolor pencils are used for fine details, while coffee grounds and grass were used to create additional layers of color and texture. The natural folds and creases of the hide were utilized to guide the painting of the scene, bringing a sense of unity and harmony between the portrait and the natural canvas.
It was important to Christina to protect the integrity of the piece and pay respect to the hide itself: the natural color of the hide is kept as the focus, is tied into the other aspects of the landscape and bison, and slowly fades into the blurred edges of the painting.
This piece is perfect to be displayed as a wall hanging or decorative bedspread. It is flexible and durable enough to be rolled for storage, though we’re certain you’ll want to hang this as a centerpiece in your home for years to come.
Approximately 80” long x 60” wide.
This piece should only be cleaned by an art conservation or restoration professional.
