18x24inch Acrylic on Canvas Jan 2020
A portrait I did of my grandfather Donnie. He was one of the few people who inspired me to even continue with art. I owe a lot to him, for all the support, and the guidance he gave me over the years. This portrait pays homage to him and the man he was.
He was an honourable man of many titles. An artist, a cowboy, a political councillor, residential school survivor. For over 20+ years he was the main caretaker for Swan Lake reservations Buffalo herd. In his years as a councillor he created many opportunities for his people and community.
My other grandfather, Ronald, his twin brother, were both caretakers of the buffalo together for a time. Becoming family with the herd whilst building a ranch empire together with the rest of their brothers. All of them have sadly passed on and I believe the world won’t see men like them anymore.
I wanted to show a piece of my family and its history. Where I come from and what I take pride in. Even the buffalo horn he is holding is a piece of history. It belonged to his father, Tommy Daniels, who used it while in war filling the horn to carry his gun powder.