Frank Big Bear Analysis

Frank Big Bear, an artist whose roots are seeded in White Earth, Minnesota has spent the majority of his life dedicated to drawing. His drawings reflect specifically where he grew up. As a foster child, Big Bear did not know much of his own culture until becoming more curious as he matured into a teenager. He had to direct his research to outside sources given his public school did not teach Native American culture. After gaining information from his Big Bear grandparents, Frank immersed himself into his Ojibwe culture. This lit the fire to a collection of mosaic and intricate forms of drawing that would ultimately illustrate Big Bear’s life and those of his ancestors. A specific piece that embodies a few key themes stemming from Frank Big …show more content…
Generally this piece is a scene of a field at sunset with many beings in the foreground and middleground, with clouds filling the background. The artist uses numerous stimulating elements in the work. There are many aspects to look at. Many shapes to pull apart and look at simply. A viewer 's eye jumps from place to place, seeing new original shapes and patterns. The chaotic lines are not horizontal, vertical or diagonal, but rather move all these ways at once, very squigly and sporadic. Despite the fact that this work is almost fully abstract the shapes give off an energy of human life. These elements are proof in themselves of the truth of Frank Big Bear’s culture that shines through this drawing in regard to stories and events throughout his life, the justice he provides to Native American culture, and the constant connection to nature in this …show more content…
In Frank Big Bear’s White Earth Pow Wow #4 nature structures the entire piece. The great plain of the earth to the rows of crops in the far distance and everywhere in between. Every line is organic and moves with the earth. “The Bois Forte people lived in harmony with the rhythms of nature, moving through the woods as the seasons changed to fish, hunt, pick blueberries, and make maple sugar.” When the treaties became effective in White Earth the Natives precious environment was destroyed. “Since that time, the Bois Forte people have seen many changes; the great forests are gone, there are many more people and far fewer animals.” These natural elements in the artist’s work not only explain Big Bear’s Native roots, but also show a deeper tie of the love he shares with his family. “The connecting nature-motifs in his work, like branches or vines, imply family ties. His self portrait from the 1980’s, Floral Man, shows his whole body to be laced with such vines.” Frank Big Bear’s values are so immersed in his soul that they come pouring out of his work. His children are often hidden in collages, along with his grandparents and other important elders. The spiritual quality to organic forms illustrates Big Bear’s love for these people, and how they have impacted his