Indigenous Peoples and Human Rights

February 18, 2010

Chippewa Bruce LaFountain wins True West best sculptor award


BEST LIVING WESTERN SCULPTOR
Bruce LaFountain
True West magazine
The fact that Bruce LaFountain placed second in the Cast Metal category at the prestigious Santa Fe Indian Market in 2009 didn’t surprise anyone. Yet this Chippewa Indian—he grew up on the Turtle Mountain Reservation in North Dakota but now creates out of Salt Lake City—doesn’t create art for awards, though he has many. His abstract sculptures seem to be always moving, which might come from his childhood memories of dancing in powwows. LaFountain is brash and forthright: “The motivation for my work does not stem from wanting to win a show or from money,” LaFountain says. “It evolves from the spirit of my ancestors and my own deep spiritual feelings.” Well said, sir.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

I wonder if Mr LaFountain is familiar with the career of 19th century Chippewa sculptor Edmonia Lewis.