"Bear in the Frosty Moon" 1976 by Helen Hardin

Within this small composition lie many overlapping symbols rooted in Santa Clara Pueblo (Kha'p'oo Owingeh) tradition. In the foreground, a bear spirit symbolizes strength and healing, also known as a supreme guardian and medicine animal in Pueblo culture. Drawing inspiration from carved fetishes and pottery motifs, Hardin seamlessly blends traditional imagery with modern line work. The animal's heartline represents breath, life force, and vital spirit, connecting the physical world to spiritual energy.

Across the bottom of the composition, repetitive lines and stepped triangular motifs represent clouds, rain, and mountains. These sacred symbols reflect the vital importance of water and fertility in Pueblo agriculture and spirituality. Utilizing drafting methods, acrylic washes, and splatter techniques, Hardin creates layered, stone-like backgrounds that bridge ancient petroglyph rock motifs with modern abstract art.

The artist Helen Hardin

Among the strongest and most sought-after artworks in the fine art market are paintings by Santa Clara Pueblo artist Helen Hardin (1943-1984) Tsa-Sah-Wee-Eh ("Little Standing Spruce"). Hardin's distinctive and compelling style became more fully realized in the 1970s, with a series of paintings of meaningful figures. These and her later works are immensely complex works of art that have been displayed in museums around the world. Her personal explorations led her into the deeply affecting works of the very well-known "Woman" Series. Much of her work is concerned with the intellectual and physical struggle of her very existence, the struggle of woman versus man, patron versus artist, tradition versus progression.

Inspired by her mother, Pablita Velarde (Tse Tsan), she began creating and selling paintings as a teenager. She went in a different direction than her mother and her mother's peers, creating more contemporary work that depicted Native American symbols with striking geometrical patterns.

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: This painting by Helen Hardin "Bear in the Frosty Moon"  is from a client of Adobe Gallery.

Reference and Recommended Reading: Changing Woman: The Life and Art of Helen Hardin by Jay Scott

TAGS: Helen Hardin, Santa Clara Pueblo, Pablita Velarde, Native American symbols, Native American Paintings, Acoma Pueblo