"May the light always be present on your path and guide you on your journey. May strength, courage, and spiritual insight give you wings to rise, fly and soar. May your heart, mind body and spirit forever grow and bloom..." -LEL

This Cameo figure of a Native American, Pattaraggi Queen Chief is portrayed wearing a unique headdress with vibrant hues and turkey, eagle, crow, hawk and blue jay feathers along with gorgeous florals and flocks of birds. She has a strong and regal disposition, a free spirit, with a visionary gaze that is confident, courageous, and hopeful. The gold leaf sun, a symbol of Divine light, highlights her profile and draws our attention to her painted sun ray face.
Sun symbols are seen in some shape or fashion in every Native American tribe. Views and beliefs surrounding the sun symbols vary according to region. Unanimously, the sun was of great importance to all indigenous people who lived off the land a provider of warmth, facilitator of crops, and the great bearer of light.
The flourishing headdresses in all my artwork can be seen as a reflection of our inner world, values, stories, and self-worth. When we are aligned and nurture the garden of our mind, body and spirit, there is a wondrous wisdom, strength and confidence that we obtain.
I strive to paint and create a piece that captured the beauty of living like a Warrior. The ten birds flying and soaring from her headdress are meant to symbolize the ability to rise and soar above adversities but, most importantly, the ability to achieve keen insights from various perspectives. This narrative suggests characteristics of an ideal Leader who has the ability to find universal harmony with others - a true free spirit with a vibrant light to lead and to heal... a symbol of a life full of gratitude with abundant stories that are full of bravery, love, joy and peace.