Acrylic on Canvas
36" X 12"
 
True West Gallery, Santa Fe Presents:  
 
Farrell Cockrum
 
From the Blackfeet Nation of northern Montana, Farrell Cockrum’s great passion in life is informing the world of his rich Native American heritage through his contemporary works of art. Steeped in the traditions and culture of his native ancestors, Farrell captures the spirit of the Blackfeet in each of his unique and colorful paintings.
 
Vivid color, rich texture and striking subject matter are core ingredients in a Farrell Cockrum painting. Farrell’s captivating subjects include native figures, honored wildlife; such as the majestic Eagle …the American Bison…and the strong silent western bred horse. Add a touch of abstract expressionism and streaming colors to a portrait of a Blackfeet Chief and you are entering Farrell’s world. These moving motifs of a great Indian culture are distinctly native and uniquely American. They are a reminder of a time and a people long gone, but never to be forgotten.
 
Farrell studied art at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico in the early 1980’s. In Santa Fe, Farrell was inspired by countless new influences and his considerable talents blossomed.  The result is his work is as innovative as it is purely native American. In time, Farrell's work would change and become more aggressive: color and more color would become his muse.  As an alumnus of IAIA,  Farrell chose to remain in New Mexico for its continuing inspiration and renewing beauty.
 
He is very well known throughout the southwest and collected across the world. He now lives and paints in Albuquerque.
 
An unrelenting passion of his is to introduce the world to the Blackfeet People's traditions through his contemporary art. Farrell has a profound respect for traditional forms and his need to create is driven by tradition, not restricted by it.  Farrell's dreams and his beliefs in the Creator inspire his uniquely personal creations.