Watonka – White Buffalo

Oil on textured canvas board, framed in an Antique Cast Iron Grate Collar dated 1897. Image size: 7.75 in. dia. Overall size: 15.25 in. dia.

Inspiration for this painting began with the antique cast iron grate collar that I found at an antique store in Canton, South Dakota. I didn’t even know what it was initially, though I suspected it had something to do with a wood burning stove. All I knew was, I LOVED it, so I brought it home with me! Sure enough, as I researched, I learned they were on ceilings or floors as a grate around the heating pipe shaft. I have also heard a number of fascinating stories from seniors who remember them in homes from long ago and dropping things down through them between floors when they were children ;D.

After that, it was only a matter of finding the right inspiration for the painting that would nestle within it. How thrilled I was when I finally found an image of a White Buffalo (Watonka) from photographer, Ryan Rakers for a reference! It was a serendipitous marriage of two strong, yet beautiful, elements – the magnificent Watonka and this prettily scrolled antique cast iron collar!

This painting is currently on display in my solo exhibition, “Dazzling Dakota,” at Center for Western Studies (CWS) at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  The show runs through April 25, 2025. It is available for purchase.  Please, contact CWS at (605) 274-4007 for inquiries. CWS is located at 2121 S Summit Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57197. They are open Monday-Friday, 8:00AM-5:00PM or by appointment.

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