Frank LaPena, Sacred Fire
Frank LaPena
1937-2019
Nomtipom Wintu
Date
1987
Medium Specific
Wood engraving
Classification
Print
Dimensions
10 x 8 in. (25.4 x 20.3 cm) Framed: 14 1/2 x 12 in. (36.8 x 30.5 cm)
Accession Number
2015.35.20.21
Credit
Gift of Frank Krena
Memo / Artist Statement
"The world is a gift from our old ones. This sacred gift was created through love and respect by those elders who understood the beauty of their surroundings. Their understanding encompassed the total meaning of life within their environment. The old ones paid close attention to the sacred earth and to all nature. They were involved with the mysterious and magical dimensions of reality. The evidence for the representation of the earth as a mystical and magical place was given embodiment through the experiences of those who made visits to sacred places. The power of knowledge was revealed to medicine people and traditionalists involved in its pursuit. We respect those thoughts and teachings; when we are forgetful and need reminding of those teachings they are given back to us in our dreams. (LaPena in The Spirit of Native America, American Indian Contemporary Arts, San Francisco, 1993:16)
Biography
Frank LaPena (Nomtipom Wintu) was born in San Francisco in 1937 and attended federal Indian boarding school in Stewart, Nevada. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Chico State in 1965 and a Master of Arts in Anthropology at Sacramento State in 1978.
LaPena's paintings, sculpture, and poetry reflect a deep understanding and love of his native heritage. He exhibited in numerous one-man and group shows across the United States, Europe, Central and South America, Cuba, Australia and New Zealand. He was a consultant to many museums in North America, including the de Young Museum and the National Museum of the American Indian. He was a founding member of the Maidu Dancers and Traditionalists, dedicated to the revival and preservation of Native arts. Frank also published several volumes of poetry and wrote a report on contemporary California art activities for News from Native California.
LaPena's paintings, sculpture, and poetry reflect a deep understanding and love of his native heritage. He exhibited in numerous one-man and group shows across the United States, Europe, Central and South America, Cuba, Australia and New Zealand. He was a consultant to many museums in North America, including the de Young Museum and the National Museum of the American Indian. He was a founding member of the Maidu Dancers and Traditionalists, dedicated to the revival and preservation of Native arts. Frank also published several volumes of poetry and wrote a report on contemporary California art activities for News from Native California.
Date of Bio
Inscription
number, title and signature in pencil