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Native American artist Stacey Leigh Littledeer has been sculpting and painting since she was 7 years old. Date published: 12/8/2003
On the Spot looks beyond regular newsmakers to highlight the varied residents who make the Fredericksburg community what it is. Stacey Leigh Littledeer didn't celebrate Thanksgiving this year. In fact, it's never been an especially joyous day for her. "It has that original connotation to us," said Littledeer, who grew up going to powwows with her parents. While her Spotsylvania County neighbors feasted on turkey, sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie, Littledeer soaked up her own Cherokee culture. Her living room is part art gallery, part history lesson. Littledeer's paintings, jewelry and sculptures draw you in. The stories behind them keep you there. Like the one about the watercolor hanging behind her sofa. "Totems" is "based on the understanding that when you meet the person you're supposed to be with, your spirits will come together as one." Native American art is rich not only in stories, but also symbols. That's evident in the sculptures of medicine women Littledeer creates. Each has an animal painted on it. Horses symbolize freedom, butterflies new life and dogs loyalty and acceptance, for instance. Each is hand-made from red river clay. "I try to do them the same way they would have been done 500 years ago," she said. While some folks just like the way her artwork looks on their walls or mantels, most leave with a deeper understanding. "There are so many times when people are surprised at how much they appreciate the story itself and how much it parallels their lives," she said. Other popular pieces include her medicine masks, which she sculpts from clay and embeds with turkey, peacock, parrot, cockatoo and pheasant feathers. She also sells silver jewelry, leather works and pottery, some crafted by out-of-town friends and family. Littledeer's 7-year-old son, Noah, also has started sculpting animals and painting symbols on spirit stones. His mom started creating art at the same age and thinks Noah is better than she was at his age. "He has a huge never-ending imagination," Littledeer said. You can see for yourself when Littledeer - and Noah - show off their wares this Saturday at Courtland High School. It's one of the few chances they get to display around town.
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