Sacred Star Pony Searches the Fallen Snow

Margaret Littlejohn Wakefield is an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. She signs her work as TsaniUsdi, which is Cherokee for Little John. Wakefield’s naturalistic art centers around animals, with titles crafted to tell a story. One unique aspect of her work is that each subject is outlined with a “spirit color”.

Sacred Star Pony Searches the Fallen Snow invites viewers into a serene and introspective winter scene, skillfully crafted in watercolor. The painting depicts a lone spotted horse, gracefully poised in the midst of a quiet snowy forest. Its coat is a tapestry of light and dark tones, capturing the delicate play of shadows across its muscular form. The elegance of the creature is highlighted against a backdrop of snow-blanketed trees, their bare branches stretching skyward, hinting at the seasonal stillness enveloping the landscape. This artwork uses a rich palette that includes soft blues, pristine whites, earth-toned browns, and bold reds, expertly applied to evoke the chill and beauty of winter. The reds introduce an unexpected focal point, with a distinct handprint symbolizing the theme of missing and murdered indigenous women—a poignant tribute rendered with deep sensitivity. Each brushstroke is deliberate, capturing the movement and spirit of the horse amidst the gentle, flowing drapes of snow that cloak the forest floor. The painting’s dynamic composition suggests a moment frozen in time, inviting the audience to ponder the stories hidden within its layers. Ultimately, Sacred Star Pony Searches the Fallen Snow is a blend of artistry and narrative depth, where the physical representation of the horse connects with powerful thematic undertones. It’s an invitation to reflect on heritage, resilience, and remembrance, all elegantly interwoven into a tranquil wintry tableau.