Molly Murphy
Oglala Sioux
Bear Box -
Constellation
6 1/4"
L x 4 3/4" W x 3" H
Molly Murphy was born in 1977
in Great Falls, MT. A mixed blood descendent of the Oglala, Lakota
tribe, Murphy was raised in western Montana and earned a Bachelor's
in Fine Arts from The University of Montana in 2004.
Most of her work stems from
a combination of traditional Native arts and modern art. Murphy
learned beadwork at a very early age as well as hide tanning,
sewing and traditional clothing design. I consider my work to
be narrative on many levels.
There are times when I want
to tell a very specific story and the pieces become narrative
in tone. In other cases I am simply evoking emotional responses
to basic elements such as shape and color.
Nearly all of my work reflects
the issues of politics, cultural identity, and learning to live
with the weight of the past. Molly Murphy currently lives in
Missoula, Montana with her husband and daughter.
Along with being a resident
artist and guest lecturer throughout Montana, Molly's recent
awards and exhibitions include:
2007 Heard Museum Guild Fair
and Market, Phoenix, AZ, 1st Place Class VII Division A, Judges
Choice, Dittemore
Wheelwright Museum, Sante
Fe, NM, Holiday Exhibit and Auction
Art Without Reservations:
Changing Hands 2, Museum of Arts and Design, New York, NY
This piece wa inspired by
a range of historical styles including ledger drawing, hide painting,
myths, and plains style blankets. The bold contrast between the
red and blue tones is reminiscent of central plains style. Many
old stories talk about bears as being night guides and having
a sky presence.
The red and blue symbolize
earth and sky, day and night, male and female, generally illustrating
opposites that ebb and flow. Each side has a lodge image in a
northern plains style. I wanted to have each side be equal yet
opposites with the interior matching that and creating a visual
pop when the box is opened.
In some small way, I may have
been inspired by politics. I get offended when the we are divided
up into red and blue. I think we have too much in common and
at stake to allow for those kinds of divisions.
The new variety of gold beads
is so inspiring in how much sparkle and how celestial they seem.
This is my first piece that has an octagonal shape. I keep trying
to push the boundaries of what shapes and sculptural elements
I use in my box series.
The care and handling of beadwork
differs from other media. The wool components can be gently dusted
with a lint free cloth, or an adhesive lint remover used to remove
particles. Also you may use canned forced air used to clean electronics.
Keep out of direct sun and avoid high humidity. Beadwork has
characteristics of both strength and delicacy. Gently dusting
and proper care when moving should ensure that beadwork retains
its original appearance.
Detailed list of components: hand-dyed
woven wool, Pellon brand interfacing, Nymo brand nylon thread,
balsa plywood, Czech and Japanese glass beads size 13,14, and
15, Czech gold plated size 13 cut beads and gold plated trim
beads, adhesive, Czech glass trim beads.