Site Dedication

It is with deep respect and appreciation that this website is dedicated to the memory of my first painting instructor, Henry Ernst Niese (10/11/24 – 04/01/16). Professor Niese taught in the Department of Art at the University of Maryland from 1969 to 1996. In a cavernous and chilly studio space punctuated by painting easels in the Parren J. Mitchell Art-Sociology Building on the College Park campus, and while cupping a cigarette in one hand, Professor Niese would present the virtues of sight, of truly seeing an object, as a bedrock of painting and, as part of his Painting 101 class, asked his students to read a series of books, written by Carlos Castenada, that frequently described vision, visions and acquiring same. Niese, of Cherokee Indian heritage, had as one of his spiritual teachers Bill Eagle Feather, Sun Dance chief and medicine man of the Sicangu Lakota (Brule Sioux), and Niese authored the book “The Man Who Knew the Medicine” detailing the teachings of Bill Eagle Feather. Professor Niese was possessed of a tremendously strong spirit – and a terrific sense of humor. We often laughed, together, at some of my early paintings.

In 2008, thirty years later, I tracked down Professor Niese and wrote to him, introducing my first website and inviting him to attend a solo exhibit in Hyattsville, Maryland. Imagine my surprise when he entered the space and warmly greeted me. It was a great privilege to accompany him through the exhibit and, while standing in front of “Rivers Edge”, he said to me, “Man, you really know how to work your paint.” It was a great moment that, remembering it, has spurred me through more than a few paintings.

The Cherokee word for “dedication” is not a single, directly translatable term. Instead, the concept of dedication is conveyed through phrases that express commitment, purpose, or a strong focus on a goal. One approach to conveying dedication involves using the word “gvnagelv” (guv-nah-geh-lv), which can be translated as “to be strong” or “to be steadfast” in the Cherokee language. Another way to express dedication might be through phrases that describe one’s focus and commitment to a task or goal.

Similarly, the Lakota language does not have a single word that directly translates to “dedication”. However, the concept of dedication can be expressed through various Lakota words and phrases that encompass commitment, respect, and perseverance. “Mitakuye Oyasin” is a Lakota phrase, and a favorite of Professor Niese, that translates to “All My Relations” or “We are all related”. This phrase highlights the interconnection of all beings and the importance of honoring that connection through actions and respect. It suggests that dedication is not just about individual commitment but also about contributing to the well-being of the larger community and embodies a worldview where all things in the universe, including people, animals, plants, and the environment, are interconnected and share a common bond. This concept is a fundamental part of Lakota spirituality and is often used in prayers and ceremonies to acknowledge this interconnection.

Thank you, Professor Niese. And to your memory this website is dedicated.

https://www.askart.com/artist/Henry_Ernst_Niese/106695/Henry_Ernst_Niese.aspx
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/washingtonpost/name/henry-niese-obituary?id=6067151
http://www.henryniese.com/