Uncategorized – Page 2 – Mike Holden Art

Thunderbird Warrior

June 1, 2024/in Uncategorized /by admin

Acrylic on Canvas

18″ x 24″

In Permanent collection of Royal Alberta Museum

18″ x 24″ Acrylic on Canvas

Description:
The coming of thunder in the spring is a gift from the Thunderbeings, a promise of renewal and awakening. It marks a spiritual salve for the losses of the past year, a healing after the harsh and unforgiving winters. This season brings a time for warriors to heal, grow strong again, and prepare. The return of the Thunderbeings provides the recharge needed for a warrior to rise once more, to embody courage and selflessness for the people.

Artist Mike Holden carries “Coming of Thunder” as his traditional spirit name. He is also the son of a lightning strike survivor who carries a name to honor the Thunderbeings: Lead Thunderbird Man. The Thunderbird is depicted in this painting to represent the unseen bringers of thunder and lightning. The rifles symbolize the harnessed power of the Thunderbeings, once believed to be powerful instruments meant to provide for and protect the people. Behind the warrior is the sun, which returns along with the thunder to renew the warrior’s strength.

Fine-Day Part lll

May 28, 2024/in Uncategorized /by Mike Holden

Diamond Resin Series Limited Edition

Fine-Day, a respected Plains Cree warrior, led his people in the Battle of Cut Knife fought on May 2, 1885. With only about 60 Cree and Assiniboine warriors, they faced a Canadian force of 350 soldiers, armed with cannons and a Gatling gun. Fine-Day skillfully used the terrain, scattering his warriors in small groups to create the illusion of a much larger force. This clever tactic led to the eventual retreat of the Canadian troops.

The two yellow stars beside Fine-Day symbolize the belief many Indigenous Nations have that human beings come from the stars, reflecting a deep spiritual connection between the Earth, The Sun and the universe.

Later in life Fine-Day became a very wise elder, a medicine man and a very powerful spiritual leader for his people.

Fine-Day Part lll

May 9, 2024/in Uncategorized /by Mike Holden

Acrylic on Canvas

36″ x 24″

Fine-Day, a respected Plains Cree warrior, led his people in the Battle of Cut Knife fought on May 2, 1885. With only about 60 Cree and Assiniboine warriors, they faced a Canadian force of 350 soldiers, armed with cannons and a Gatling gun. Fine-Day skillfully used the terrain, scattering his warriors in small groups to create the illusion of a much larger force. This clever tactic led to the eventual retreat of the Canadian troops.

The two yellow stars beside Fine-Day symbolize the belief many Indigenous Nations have that human beings come from the stars, reflecting a deep spiritual connection between the Earth, The Sun and the universe. The four triangles on the left further symbolize that belief.

Later in life Fine-Day became a very wise elder, a medicine man and a very powerful spiritual leader for his people.