"The Native American tribe that lived here before us, the Chumash, are always on my mind and I try my best to imagine what life would have been like here before Western civilization. Whether it be basket weaving, chert knapping, jewelry making, rock art painting, or constructing tomols (redwood plank canoes), the Chumash people were without a doubt master artist, craftsmen, craftswomen, fisherman, hunters, and herbalists. My painting “Mishopshno” is my way of honoring a culture that has inspired my entire life - expanding my imagination, feeding my desire to explore my own backyard, and growing my sense of awe and wonder of the amazing place we both call home."       

                                                                                                                                       

 

                                                                                                                                        - Ben O'Hara

                                                                                                                                           October 2018

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