"WESTERN SKY LODGE" by Kira Fercho

This painting depicts a traditional Blackfoot lodge. Many tribes used colors to convey meanings, including red for power and life, black for death, blue for sky, yellow for joy and victory, and white for peace. To balance out the strength of the shape of the apex (where the poles cross) I added a spray of wildflowers in the foreground. This lodge represents the connection between the physical and spiritual worlds, and the unity of the tribe. In many tribes, the tipi was also seen as the womb of Mother Earth, offering protection and shelter. I painted a “glow” to this lodge to represent this type of love and care.