This piece presents an enigmatic portrait of a human form rendered in a combination of white, yellow, pink, and red. The form wears what appears to be a purple and red stylized cowboy hat. The background is comprised of blue, purple, and orange., Rick Bartow; Hen Hat on Mask; mixed media; 36 x 26 inches, The frailty of life on this planet and the need to recognize the interconnectedness of all species are common threads that weave through Bartow's work. His Yurok Indian heritage and his experiences in Vietnam are the source of these feelings and nurture his imagery. Crow/raven and a pantheon of other animals, including man, figure prominently in his work. He reanimates the ancient myths of Northwest peoples into his visual language. Once the symbol of rebirth and the spirit of all life, crow is a ghost-like figure in this monotype who knows "he" is no longer central to our lives. (OAC documentation, 1990). A Vietnam veteran and a Yurok tribal member, he addresses grief and fear in his work as means to dismantling them. His work is represented by Froelick Gallery and Stonington Gallery. (Data provided at http://www.npr.org/programs/talkingplants/features/2003/bartow/index.html. Reviewed on 04/09/07.), http://www.froelickgallery.com/Artist-Detail.cfm?ArtistsID=227, The Oregon Arts Commission has ten Regional Arts Councils that provide delivery of art services and information. The Council for this location is: Regional Arts & Culture. You may view their website at http://www.racc.org/
