There is nothing I love and hate more than stumbling upon an artist that I have never heard of. On one hand, I’m delighted to learn of someone new. On the other, I’m frustrated when there are so many artists that I feel that I don’t know of yet – often because of the color of their skin, their nationality, or their race.
I wanted to learn about someone new for Native American Heritage Month. Actually I wanted to learn about many artists that I had never heard of, but I wanted to find that artist that made me personally stand back in awe. Those artists that make you stop and stare at a museum. Those artists that make you feel. Woodrow Wilson Crumbo, or Woody for short, was that artist and thus the Woody Crumbo Dancing Deer was a must.
A little about Woodrow Wilson Crumbo
Not only was Woody an incredible artist, but he also was a humanitarian, a flute player, and a ceremonial dancer. He was determined to bring the Native American arts to the mainstream public. When he traveled, he collected traditions and cultures and shared them with the world through those multiple art forms, including the nations of the Potawatomi, Creek, and Sioux.
He loved geology and rock collecting, and stumbled upon a beryllium deposit. This accidental discovery made him millions.
His art is in museums all over the world, including the Smithsonian and Metropolitan Museum of Art. He helped with advances in egg tempera and printmaking as well. Printmaking helped him to get his art into the hands of the mainstream public, instead of it being a niche for wealthy collectors.
His gentle deer in turquoise and cobalt blue captivated me from the start, especially the ones leaping gracefully through the air. He had a way of capturing the movement of these animals with angles, and lines and patterns. Finding a way to bring one of these deer to kids, however, proved to be quite challenging.
I am thrilled to present this freebie to you – the Woody Crumbo Dancing Deer.
Crayons are an incredibly versatile art supply for kids and adults! Find my favorites right here:
