SWEAT VISION/ Native Americans Bathing in a Pool After a Good Sweat/ FIGURATIVE ABSTRACTION

                                   

                

                      Sweat Vision

                      1986

                      by Eric Whollem

                      gouache and wax resist on paper

                      Collection of Jim Nelson and Denise Furlong

                      11" x 8.5"

                           Copyright by the artist.

The Tradition of the Sweat Lodge

Native Americans univerally acclaim the virtues of the Sweat Lodge.

Sweating is considered an excellent health regimin. In my painting

three men are walking to a green pool in the desert to cleanse themselves

after a session in the sauna.

Among the Concow Maidu Indians of California, mugwort, a sacred

plant, was placed on heated rocks in the middle of the sweat lodge as

an herbal blessing and tonic. Sage and a variety of herbs are used

in different traditions.

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Native American sweat lodges, abstract art, mixed media painting, visionary art.