Medicine Wheel
Cast paper print / relief sculpture on handmade paper • Likely Frank Howell or an artist working in a similar Contemporary Southwest Aesthetic such as Miguel Martinez or the studio of Bill Worrell
Style & Movement
Contemporary Native American / Southwest Decorative Art
Medium & Technique
Cast paper with hand-applied iridescent or dichroic glass/foil accents; technique involves pressing wet paper pulp into a mold to create a high-relief dimensional effect
Creation Period
Late 20th century (Circa 1980-1995)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 18 x 24 inches (framed); Portrait orientation
Subject Description
A stylized Medicine Wheel featuring a central cross within a circular textured band. Four squares (likely representing the four cardinal directions/seasons) are highlighted with iridescent material. A single feather hangs from the right side, a common motif in Indigenous-inspired contemporary art representing spirituality and connection to nature.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; art appears well-preserved under glass, though potential light fading to the paper pulp and minor frame wear is present.
Estimated Market Value
$250 - $450 USD
Auction Estimate
$150 - $300 USD
Provenance History
Numbered edition (indicated as 114/250 in the lower left) suggesting a limited commercial production run. Likely purchased from a gallery specializing in Western/Southwest art.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the 1980s-90s boom in Southwest decorative fine arts that blended traditional Indigenous iconography with modern minimalist aesthetics and textural cast-paper techniques.
Notable Features
High-relief texture on handmade paper with deckled edges; visible edition number (114/250) and title 'Medicine Wheel' inscribed in pencil at the bottom; reflective square inlays add a modern mixed-media element.
Condition Issues
Visible glare on the glazing suggests non-UV glass; possibility of light-induced yellowing of the paper over time. Deckled edges of the paper appear stable.
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend replacing standard glass with UV-protective museum glass to prevent pulp yellowing; maintain in a humidity-controlled environment to prevent warping of the cast paper.