Cultural Color Research Paragraph

The artwork of the Pacific Northwest Native Americans is truly something to behold. Combining strong elements of craftsmanship and design, the artists of this region have truly mastered the bond between form and meaning as well as the relationships in color.

Focusing specifically on the coastal tribes in the area my cultural connection will focus on the color relationships in the area and how the native peoples view color in relation to their art. The color compositions of the peoples in this area are fairly stark and usually consist of only two to three colors. In more recent generations Native American artists have utilized nontraditional paint colors bought in tubes or derived from unnatural pigments.

The most commonly used color in pacific coast Native American artwork is black. It forms the thick and bold outlines of most every painting or weaving and stands as a stark flattening element to every piece. In traditional process the black pigment would be derived from charcoal, graphite or lignite coal.

The second and most recognizable color of the region is red. Used to fill the various shapes and formed outline in black the red pigment of these peoples would usually be created from red ochre or hematite minerals. Red also held a deep symbolic meaning to the artwork of the pacific coast Native Americans. Representing numerous things such as thunder, sunsets and the earth red stood as one of the most universal colors in their palate.

The minimal color palate described served as highly inspirational for me, forcing a unique composition and respect for the way forms interact. The colors of this region and the peoples that lived in it are commanding and influential and I hope that by utilizing the pigments these people traditionally implemented I will be able to create a piece that is both dynamic and simple. 

Sources:
http://www.freespiritgallery.ca/nwcolors.htm
http://www.lewisandclarktrail.com/section2/colorsanddesigns.htm