PHOTOGRAPHER: PATRICK JAMES MICHEL

This image was taken during one of Patrick James Michel’s numerous trips to the American West. It is featured in his book Five, which displays his theme of earth, water, fire, air.

The artist, who has traveled the world and met many communities and tribes including Native Americans and Shamans, leverages his mastery of photography techniques to capture the intangible.

In this image, “Bird Child” Young Sioux is communicating with Mother Nature through dance. By choosing this position of the child connecting with the earth, the photographer celebrates the tribe’s beliefs and traditions. Like other Native American tribes, the Sioux believe the animal nations are relatives. They feel a special bond exists among all living things and the feather is a powerful symbol that signifies honor and a connection between the owner, the Creator, and the bird from which the feather came. It is an object that is deeply revered and a sign of high honor.

Edition of 15

Larger exceptional formats and custom sizes available upon request at contact@theselectsgallery.com. Prices include framing. Image only available upon request.

For each purchase of a print by Patrick James Michel a donation will be made to Cultural Survival , a non-profit that advocates for Indigenous Peoples' rights and supports Indigenous communities’ self-determination, cultures and political resilience since 1972.