The Art Shelf

Dakota Modern: The Art of Oscar Howe
Kathleen Ash-Milby, editor
Bill Anthes, editor
National Museum of the American Indian
c/o University of Oklahoma Press
2800 Venture Drive, Norman, OK 73069
www.oupress.com
9781933565330, $50.00, HC, 208pp

https://www.amazon.com/Dakota-Modern-Art-Oscar-Howe/dp/1933565330

Synopsis: Oscar Howe (1915 - 1983) committed his artistic career to the pre= servation, relevance, and ongoing expression of his Dakota culture. He prov=
ed that art could be simultaneously modern and embedded in customary Ocheth=
i Sakowin (Sioux) culture and aesthetics -- to him as an artist there was n=
o contradiction.

Howe challenged the art establishment's preconceptions and definitions of N= ative American painting. In doing so, he catalyzed a movement among Native = artists to express their individuality rather than conforming to an establi= shed style. This legacy of innovation and advocacy continues to inspire gen= erations of Native artists to take pride in their heritage and resist stere= otypes.

Expertly compiled and co-edited by the team of Kathleen Ash-Milby and Bill = Anthes. "Dakota Modern: The Art of Oscar Howe" is published by the National=
Museum of the American Indian in conjunction with an exhibition of the sam=
e name. "Dakota Modern" features the most extensive representation of Howe'=
s artworks to date, and it examines his life as both artist and educator. C= oedited by Kathleen Ash-Milby and Bill Anthes, the catalog also includes co= ntributions by Janet Catherine Berlo, Christina Burke, Philip J. Deloria, E= rika Doss, Emil Her Many Horses, John Lukavic, Inge Dawn Howe Maresh, Anya = Montiel, Denise Neil, and Joyce Szabo.

Critique: A magnificent coffee-table style volume (9.25 x 1 x 11.25 inches,=
3 pounds), "Dakota Modern: The Art of Oscar Howe" is a visual delight with=
full color reproductions of Howe's paintings supported by an informative a=
nd insightful commentary. Graceful, elegant, lavish, "Dakota Modern: The Ar=
t of Oscar Howe" is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, p= rofessional, community, college, and university library Native American Art=
collections. Indeed, "Dakota Modern: The Art of Oscar Howe" would make an = excellent choice for a library Memorial Fund acquisition.

Editorial Note #1: Oscar Howe (Mazuha Hokshina or "Trader Boy", May 13, 191=
5 - October 7, 1983) was a Yanktonai Dakota artist from South Dakota, who b= ecame well known for his casein and tempera paintings. He is credited with = influencing contemporary Native American art, paving the way for future art= ists. His art style is marked by bright color, dynamic motion and pristine = lines. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oscar_Howe)

Editorial Note #2: Kathleen Ash-Milby is curator of Native American art at = the Portland Art Museum, and the curator of the exhibition Dakota Modern: T= the Art of Oscar Howe. As associate curator at the Smithsonian's National M= useum of the American Indian she was the editor of HIDE: Skin as Material a=
nd Metaphor (NMAI, 2010) and co-editor of Kay WalkingStick: An American Art= ist (NMAI, 2015), with David Penney. Her web page is at https://portlandart= museum.org/collection/curators/kathleen-ash-milby

Editorial Note #3: Bill Anthes (https://www.pitzer.edu/academics/faculty/bi= ll-anthes) is a professor in the Art Field Group at Pitzer College in Clare= mont, California, and the author of the books Native Moderns: American Indi=
an Painting, 1940 - 1960 (2006) and Edgar Heap of Birds (2015) both publish=
ed by Duke University Press.

Wabanaki Modern
Emma Hassencahl-Perley, author
John Leroux, author
Goose Lane Editions
www.gooselane.com
9781773102665, $45.00, PB, 228pp

https://www.amazon.com/Wabanaki-Modern-Kiskukewey-Moderne-Craftsmen/dp/1773= 102664

Synopsis: The "Micmac Indian Craftsmen" of Elsipogtog (then known as Big Co= ve) rose to national prominence in the early 1960s. At their peak, they wer=
e featured in print media from coast to coast, their work was included in b= ooks and exhibitions (including at Expo 67) and their designs were featured=
on prints, silkscreened notecards, jewelry, tapestries, and even English p= orcelain.

Primarily self-taught and deeply rooted in their community, they were among=
the first modern Indigenous artists in Atlantic Canada. Inspired by tradit= ional Wabanaki stories, they produced an eclectic range of handmade objects=
that were sophisticated, profound, and eloquent.

By 1966, the withdrawal of government support compromised the Craftsmen's r= esources, production soon ceased, and their work faded from memory. Now wit=
h the publication of Wabanaki Modern: The Artistic Legacy of the 1960s "Mic= mac Indian Craftsmen", and for the first time, the story of this groundbrea= king co-operative and their art is told in full.

Accompanying a major exhibition at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery opening in 2= 022, "Wabanaki Modern" features essays on the history of this vibrant art w= orkshop, archival photographs of the artisans, and stunning full-colour ima= ges of their art.

Critique: With the commentary presented in three languages (English, French=
, Micmac), : The Artistic Legacy of the 1960s "Micmac Indian Craftsmen" is =
a unique, informative, and critically important contribution that is unrese= rvedly recommended for personal, professional, community, and academic libr= ary Canadian Art History collections.

Editorial Note #1: Emma Hassencahl-Perley (https://emmahassencahlperley.ca)=
is a Wolastoqey artist, curator, and educator from Neqotkuk (Tobique First=
Nation).

Editorial Note #2: John Leroux (https://www.johnleroux.com) is manager of c= ollections and exhibitions at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery.

Asian Women Artists
Mary Ellen Snodgrass
McFarland & Company
PO Box 611, Jefferson NC 28640
https://mcfarlandbooks.com
9781476689258, $75.00, PB, 257pp

https://www.amazon.com/Asian-Women-Artists-Biographical-Dictionary/dp/14766= 89253

Synopsis: "Asian Women Artists: A Biographical Dictionary, 2700 BCE to Toda=
y" by academician and author Mary Ellen Snodgrass is a comprehensive guide =
to identifying female creators and artistic movements from all parts of Asi=
a, offering a broad spectrum of media and presentation representing a wide = variety of milieus, regions, peoples and genres.

Arranged chronologically by artist birth date, entries date as far back as = Leizu's Chinese sericulture in 2700 BCE and continue all the way to the Mar=
ch 2021 mural exhibition by Malaysian painter Caryn Koh, each entry feature=
s biographical information, cultural context and a survey of notable works.

Covering creators known for prophecy, dance, epic and oratory, the unique c= ompendium includes obscure artists and more familiar names, like biblical w=
ar poet Deborah, Judaean dancer Salome, Byzantine Empress Theodora and Myan= mar freedom fighter Aung San Suu Kyi. In an effort to relieve unfamiliarity=
with parts of the world poorly represented in art history, "Asian Women Ar= tists: A Biographical Dictionary, 2700 BCE to Today" focuses on Asian women=
often passed over in global art surveys.

Critique: A seminal work of simply outstanding scholarship, "Asian Women Ar= tists: A Biographical Dictionary, 2700 BCE to Today" will have a particular=
appeal to readers with an interest in Asian History and Female Asian Artis= ts. A simply fascinating compendium that is impressive in informational con= tent, organization and presentation, "Asian Women Artists: A Biographical D= ictionary, 2700 BCE to Today" is a valued and recommended addition to perso= nal, professional, community, and academic library Biography and Art Histor=
y collections.

Editorial Note: Mary Ellen Snodgrass (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_El= len_Snodgrass) is an award-winning author of English and Latin textbooks an=
d reference works for 35 years. She taught at Hickory High School and Lenoi=
r Rhyne University in North Carolina for 23 years. Her writing focuses on w= omen's and world literature and history and general research topics, includ= ing epidemics, the history of money, clothing, food, and dance.

You Can Draw Cute Animals
Yasmine Mattson
Quarry Books
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
400 First Avenue North, Suite 400, Minneapolis, MN 55401-1722
www.quartous.com
9780760376751, $22.99, PB, 128pp

https://www.amazon.com/Draw-Cute-Animals-Step-Step/dp/0760376751

Synopsis: With the publication of "You Can Draw Cute Animals: A Step-by-Ste=
p Guide to Drawing and Coloring Adorable Creatures" artist and illustrator = Yasmina Mattson presents easy illustration techniques for turning up the ch= arm on 30 animals that run, fly, swim, slither, and waddle. Discover how to=
create sparkling eyes, blushing cheeks, joyful smiles, and button noses, t= ransforming even the most ferocious beasts into delightful, appealing chara= cters.

A comprehensive guide to understanding the secrets of cute, "You Can Draw C= ute Animals" begins with basic drawing techniques and exercises and a rundo=
wn of what factors make things adorable with a unique, easy, three-step dra= wing method that includes observation, simplification and exaggeration usin=
g simple shapes, and refining and adding details.

Those techniques are incorporated in creating a diverse array of animals, i= ncluding a panda, monkey, kangaroo, tiger, cat, goat, hedgehog, owl, crow, = fox, deer, snail, butterfly, seal, duck, flamingo, and more. Even complete = beginners will feel confident in their skills to draw any animal in a cute = style as they explore ways to add vivid color with watercolor, pencils, and=
markers, adding even more personality and style.

Critique: Thoroughly 'artist/illustrator' friendly in organization and pres= entation, "You Can Draw Cute Animals: A Step-by-Step Guide to Drawing and C= oloring Adorable Creatures" is an ideal DIY instructional guide and 'how to=
' manual that is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, prof= essional, and community library Art Instruction collections, as well as sch= ool art class supplemental curriculum studies lists.

Editorial Note: Yasmina Mattson (www.yasminacreates.com) is a self-taught a= rtist who specializes in drawing, ink, watercolor, and other mixed media. H=
er style is varied and includes cute and colorful animals, people, and obje= cts, as well as loose and dreamy florals and landscapes. Her life's purpose=
is to show people they can draw or paint whatever their heart desires. Yas= mina believes art should be fun and simple, and that everyone needs creativ= ity in their life. She shares that passion as a top teacher on Skillshare, = where she has 24 classes attended by more than 300,000 students. Yasmina ca=
n be followed on Instagram: @yasminacreates

Trees of the West: An Artist's Guide
Molly Hashimoto
Mountaineers Books
1001 SW Klickitat Way, Suite 201, Seattle, WA 98134-1161 www.mountaineersbooks.org
9781680513387, $22.95, HC, 192pp

https://www.amazon.com/Trees-West-Artists-Molly-Hashimoto/dp/1680513389

Synopsis: Artist Molly Hashimoto has appreciated trees all her life -- they=
have shaped her as a hiker, outdoors enthusiast, gardener, traveler, and a= rtist. She pays homage to them through her art, working in many different m= edia, each revealing different aspects of these stalwart companions: crisp = lines, imposing silhouettes, and the subtle (or sometimes brilliant) hues o=
f foliage. Hashimoto also delves into the process of creating art, discussi=
ng the mediums she used in the featured pieces and the reasons she chose th= em, as well as sidebars with tips and techniques.

As in her previous and popular art books "Colors of the West" and "Birds of=
the West", with the publication of "Trees of the West: An Artist's Guide" = Hashimoto continues to emphasizes her personal experiences with nature, tel= ling stories about her encounters with trees everywhere from her backyard t=
o national parks and forests throughout the West. She focuses primarily on = native trees, rather than cultivars, with a special interest in 46 major sp= ecies found across the region, ranging from the stately Coast redwoods to t=
he diminutive but distinctive Fishhook Barrel Cactus.

Rooted in place, trees offer endless opportunities for observation, admirat= ion, relaxation, and inspiration. "Trees of the West" invites us to pause a=
nd appreciate these sentinels in all their quiet glory.

Critique: Beautifully and profusely illustrated throughout with art in a va= riety of mediums (pencil, pen, and wash sketches; block prints; studio wate= rcolors; and intaglio etchings), "Trees of the West: An Artist's Guide" inc= ludes a rich natural history and brief ethnobotanical notes for each featur=
ed species, as well as featuring poems and quotes from other writers and ar= tists celebrating our connection to trees. "Trees of the West: An Artist's = Guide" is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, professiona=
l, community, and academic library Watercolor Painting instructional refere= nce collections and studies lists.

Editorial Note: Molly Hashimoto (www.mollyhashimoto.com) is dedicated to co= nnecting people of all ages to nature through hands-on art experiences. She=
teaches and leads watercolor workshops around the West, including at the N= orth Cascades Institute, Yellowstone Forever Institute, and Sitka Center fo=
r Art and Ecology.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

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for free on the Midwest Book Review website at www (dot) midwestbookreview=
(dot) com

Anyone wanting to submit books for review consideration can send them to:

James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129

To submit reviews of any fiction or non-fiction books, email them to Frugal= muse (at) aol (dot) com (Be sure to include the book title, author, publish= er, publisher address, publisher website/phone number, 13-digit ISBN number=
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James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review

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