How ART, MUSIC, and POETRY Come Full Circle With a Continuing Mission!
When Art, Music, and Poetry Come Full Circle with a Continuing Mission to Inspire Change!
Renowned Artist Neil Jones, now a featured artist on ART4GOOD, creates the visuals that gloriously define Native American History. Now a featured artist on ART4GOOD Auctions, please enjoy and share this video of his works, underscored by the music composed by Jimmy Greenspoon of Three Dog Night; a gift, in tribute to Flying Eagle Woman.
About the Artist: NEIL JONES
The inspiration for his paintings stems from his childhood years on a farm, which verged on the Qu'Appelle Valley near Edgeley, Saskatchewan. This rich habitat held many superb species of wildlife, which stimulated his love for conservation and his inherent artistic abilities. Since then he has travelled from the Yukon to Wyoming, exploring the wilds along the way and studying flora and fauna in its natural state.
A self-taught artist, Neil paints in oils, sometimes working in the open air to catch the essence of the world he loves. The splendour of his work portrays aspects of the natural world in a positive and effective way that reveals a deep understanding of the environment. He hopes his paintings will take viewers beyond the environmental issues and the saving of it, to a more conscious awareness of our ecosystems.
Among other prestigious awards, Neil has twice won Wildlife Artist of the Year in Saskatchewan. His work has also been indirectly involved in conservation work, being part of the Ramsar World Wildlife Fund Banquet and Show in Regina and the Canadian Nature Federation Saskatchewan Tour. His painting “Red Fox with Goose Wing” was selected by Ducks Unlimited as part of the Royal Dinner and Auction held in the presence of the Duke of Edinburgh, President of the World Wildlife Fund.
Galleries currently representing Neil include the "West Lives On Gallery" in Jackson, Wyoming and the Ripplinger Art Gallery," (Henry's Café) in Regina, Saskatchewan. Neil's paintings have also appeared in many solo and group shows and they are held in both public and private collections throughout North America. He also teaches, lectures, adjudicates and mentors aspiring artists.
THE POETRY:
"Sisterhood of The Four Winds: Flying Eagle Woman Remembered"
I.
The clink of champagne glasses
Paled only by importance of missions discussed
In this, a global reception of prominence
This gathering room filled to the brim; aglow with brilliance.
Only moments before
Cross legged on the floor
in cocktail dresses
And tuxedos
we took part
In a drum ceremony,
authentic and fun
Our hearts were one.
Now, dispersed into contingents
Of similar minds and interest
With purpose, readjust their focus
Set to mute
Those now on stage
Were only ghosts
And their message went unheard.
I wove through the crowd with talking papers
Fell into a trance like daze of flash back emotion
Of memories that had preceded this moment in time.
II.
It is the “Dances With Wolves Syndrome”
I had said to her upon meeting for the first time
Just one year ago.
A trend embraced, without awareness
Beyond exploitation of "being coolness"
She smiled and embraced me.“Let’s go!”
We filed into a meeting room
Where I was expected to speak
To a global group of experts who awaited me
To illuminate
To illustrate a mission, you see…
I sat down, not at their head table
Choosing independence; au contraire
I remained silent, waiting and deciding what to do
Of tense anticipation by others, I was unaware
I deferred my time to the Four Winds
Ingrid smiled and took my cue.
Expressing her dilemma in leadership
Representing the “Native Ones” that day.
Vicente Fox was to my left.
Many others were confused.
We left the room and some approached me
Curious to hear “my view”.
Piuma Tribe was dying!
SPAM
We were supplying,
in place of drained riverbeds
We had taken from them
Without conscience or regret
of impact on the lives
Of original Americans, of Tribes
They deserved so much more respect!
I said.
Throughout our country, poverty exceeded
Third world countries and they needed
to command attention
From the World community
I felt a duty
The Four Winds needed to be heard.
It was the right thing to do.
III.
Now, back in real time,
in this celebratory atmosphere
Recurring attitude
Recurring passion
Recalling that day
I am committed in my stand
I want their voices to be heard again.
It is OUR Mother Earth dying
They have a message to impart to all.
My eyes met those of Jane Goodall
Instinctively she knew exactly what to do
On stage she began with a loud imitation
Of a chimpanzee; then gorilla
Loud and proud, she played her part;
Let forth a rebel yell with all her heart!
The room was still and silent
Heads turned
New focus found.
Native Americans led us to higher ground.
My brothers and Sisters of the Four Winds
Found their voices
Above the din of champagne glasses
and Echoes well beyond less important missions that evening.
IV.
Forum 2000 came quickly
New York buzzed with electricity
World leaders all were there, but for a few
Honored once again
Invited by my “friend”, Mikhail Gorbachev,
We began our early evening with a heavenly Penthouse view.
This forum’s first challenge was left to me.
Those chosen to be here were stranded, you see.
The Opening ceremony was about to begin.
Our tiny private elevator had stalled and jammed.
We were separated from thousands waiting below.
In gala attire, High Fashion, High heels, on a whim,
I assuaged their anxiety;
Lead them all down the back stairs,
Someone actually shouted “Follow Palm Springs!”
We arrive very late and into darkness disperse
A voice shouted my name, no longer
“Palm Springs”
My comrade and mentor from U.N.E.S.C.O was there
He had saved a seat for me
I felt at home, and much better known at last.
Never before
Never since
Was an opening ceremony so grand!
Imagine for a moment
A huge ballroom dark;
Eight thousand silhouettes
anticipating what this first night will bring.
Drumbeat
Drumbeat
Indigenous Rhythms echo
Speak
Respond
To one another.
First here
Then there
We are surrounded from above and beyond
The most stunning presentation
My Heart thumping now remembering.
But, where was Ingrid, Flying Eagle Woman?
Where is my sister of the Four Winds, I pondered.
V.
This, such a wonderful night, drew to a close
Tom and I made time to bond again.
A familiar face entered the private lounge.
She gave us the news.
Ingrid
Was
Gone.
In Bogota, Columbia
She was kidnapped
Gunned down with friends
Bodies thrown across the border
Into Venezuela.
This Native American
My friend
Was there for Peace Day.
VI.
I could not speak.
I could not perceive
Or believe such a loss
Of beauty
Of heart.
i was completely broken.
Reaching for the phone
I called home.
Hours later, in my room,
a ringing tone, and
Sleepless still, I answered
To the beat
A tribute song entitled TRIBE!
Had been composed
An honor had been orchestrated in her memory.
Perhaps, the most important gift ever given to me
Greenspoon, with stellar talent and compassion,
Bestowed to me, an inspired, authentic interpretation
My spirit soared as I felt her presence there and then.
Her story, now, will never end.
VII.
I once danced her story of the Four Winds
Channeling her presence without rehearsal
Trance dancing on stage at the Annenberg Theatre
Of this I have no real memory
Yet, with certainty, I knew
I would always be a part of the
Sisterhood of the Four Winds.
Written by Wendie Busig-kohn
ABOUT THE MUSIC:
As described in the poem, the original soundtrack score for the video was composed by Jimmy Greenspoon, keyboard player for Three Dog Night, as a gift to Wendie Busig-Kohn, the night that she learned of the death of her friend.
Only days later, this score was produced at American Recording Studios in Calabasas, California.
Joining Jimmy on keyboards and Wendie on handheld native percussion instruments were the late, great Joe Schermie (R.I.P), original bass guitarist for Three Dog Night, Floyd Sneed, original drummer for Three Dog Night, and a dear friend from Palm Springs, Drummer, Producer, Musician EXTRAORDINAIRE: Andrew Fraga.
THE MISSION CONTINUES:
ART4GOOD FOUNDATION is honored to represent the beautiful and inspiring works of Artist Neil Jones! As a FEATURED ARTIST, Neil's works will be available as Limited Edition 30x40" Canvas reproductions in many upcoming auctions benefiting the most awesome charities on the planet, including, THIS SUMMER:
DEMI AND ASHTON DNA FOUNDATION
EDWARD NORTON NATIONAL LANDSCAPE PRESERVATION
M.J. FOX PARKINSON'S FOUNDATION
BARBRA STREISAND FOR WOMEN'S HEART CENTER
The mission continues!
ART....WORKS...FOR...CHARITY!
Charitable Organizations hosting on-line auction events will also be invited to consign and showcase the works of Neil Jones to raise monies for their causes too!
"INSPIRING CHANGE WITH EVERY BRUSH STROKE!"
Neil's works are also FEATURED in ART4GOOD Book: NATIVE!
PREVIEW BOOK BY CLICKING ON PHOTO
"Never-before shown pieces from K21's permanent collection."
