bs-aaw-NancyWoodTaber-WheelsOfChange Nancy Wood Taber

The artwork presents a layered composition that blends naturalistic depictions with stylized geometric elements, creating a sense of symbolic resonance. The central focus is on two horses, rendered in a realistic yet somewhat flattened style. One horse, predominantly chestnut brown, dominates the foreground, its head turned towards the viewer, conveying an impression of strength and alertness. Behind it, a white horse gallops dynamically across the canvas, suggesting movement and freedom.
The background is divided into distinct horizontal bands. The upper portion features a stylized mountain range beneath a lavender sky dotted with circular motifs that evoke stars or celestial bodies. A large, green handprint appears prominently on the left side of this band, its size and placement drawing immediate attention. Below the mountains lies a landscape rendered in muted earth tones, transitioning into a blue horizontal strip representing water, which is punctuated by angular, geometric shapes along its lower edge.
Superimposed over the horses and the landscape is a circular design incorporating another handprint at its center. This central motif is framed by a pattern of alternating turquoise and white bands, reminiscent of Native American textile designs or ceremonial objects. The inclusion of this symbol suggests themes of heritage, spirituality, and connection to ancestral traditions.
The artist’s use of color contributes significantly to the overall effect. The warm tones of the horses contrast with the cool blues and purples of the background, creating visual interest and emphasizing the figures presence. The deliberate flattening of perspective and the combination of realistic and abstract elements suggest a desire to transcend literal representation, hinting at deeper symbolic meanings related to transformation, cultural identity, and the relationship between humanity and nature. The handprints, repeated in different sizes and contexts, function as recurring motifs that invite contemplation on themes of creation, legacy, and human interaction with the environment.