Location: United States
Kathy S. "WhiteBear" Copsey is an American artist, with Native American and European heritage, who focuses on contemporary Native American paintings featuring animals and Natives. Born in Southern California, she dabbled with other mediums while growing up, she focused on pencil drawings starting around 7 years old and was well-known for drawing horses. Although she specializes in acrylic paintings with texture (mixed media) featuring animals and Native Americans, she also enjoys working with several other mediums including making & selling (Native American) jewelry, pencil drawings, freehand (digital) drawings, writing, music composition, photography, and videography. She is a self-taught artist with a strong background in art and music, having worked in multiple positions including computer graphics, custom picture framing, as a self-employed musical instrument repair technician, and managing a music store for many years, and she now focuses purely on her art as a full-time artist.
All of Kathy’s work is done freehand, and her painting style includes detail and texture which gives her paintings an unique style and realistic look. Finding inspiration from many sources, with the strongest influence from Native American culture and animals, many of Kathy's pieces come from dreams and visions she has received. Kathy's tribes include Yosemite/So. Sierra Miwok, Mohawk Turtle Clan, Lumbee/Croatoan, Pamunkey/Powhatan, Shawnee, Lenape, and Cherokee, but Kathy focuses on works featuring all Native American tribes, not just her own.
Kathy believes the world is truly an inspiring place with many miracles everywhere, if we only just stop long enough to look and consider how truly amazing everything is. Unfortunately, there have also been many wrongs and so much damage done to Native Americans and nature that she strongly feels she must help correct these wrongs. One of her goals is to become so successful that, in addition to sharing and helping recreate the love and passion she feels for animals and nature, she can make a major impact to help make the world a better place for both people and animals alike.
Kathy has numerous paintings on display and for sale at the Wind River Trading Co. in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and she displays her art in numerous local shows and galleries throughout the Ventura County & Los Angeles County areas and on several websites including Saatchi Art and Etsy. Her artwork has reached multiple places around the world, and she has won numerous awards. To see Kathy's current pieces available at local exhibits, visit the Shows section of her website and sign up for her newsletter to stay up-to-date on new releases and upcoming shows. Be sure to follow Kathy on social media by clicking any of the links at the bottom of any page of her website at kathycopsey.com.
With a focus on animals, these pieces have been created with a strong Native American influence. More works available at https://kathycopsey.com.
“"The Strength We Are Given From Our Ancestors"”
We all gain strength and wisdom from those who come before us, just as depicted by the Bison ancestors riding through the clouds in the background. This piece came from a strong set of visions I received, and in Native American culture, the Bison are a seen as very special and sacred spirits, both powerful and of great importance. These magnificent beasts were almost brought to extinction, but thankfully some of the species managed to survive and with help, they have begun to thrive once again. It is important for us to help all species continue on and not to lose the strength of our connection with the ones who have gone before us.
“"The Spirit Of Warriors & Ancestors"”
There are times when we must be warriors, fighting for what we believe in and for our dreams. But, we also must know when to stop and listen for guidance from our ancestors as well. We must be strong, yet gentle with the meek. Confident, yet humble. Courageous, yet compassionate & understanding of those who live in fear. See ourselves as having value, and yet be generous to those around us in need. When to speak, and when to listen. Everyone has battles & challenges, often ones we do or can not necessarily see. With time and experience often comes wisdom we must learn to share with others in compassionate ways. Even when we may not agree with another’s opinion, we must respect the beliefs and views of others. We are all different and yet all the same as brothers and sisters, so we must always be willing to learn and listen and always be kind to each other so we can create a better world for all. So listen for the wisdom of the spirit of the ancestors to guide you on your journey so you may reach all your goals and dreams.
“"Guide Us, Oh Great & Mighty Warrior"”
The bear is considered a mighty and strong warrior in Native American culture, one who also symbolizes courage and leadership. In this piece, the people are seen as shadows cast by the campfires sitting and listening for this mighty warrior, one who will be their spirit helper and guide.
“"The Journey Of A Vision Quest"”
This piece is comprised of 2 visions. The 1st of the Native American riding on the horse looking into the distance when I was seeking what I should be doing next. For awhile I tried to determine what was supposed to be in the distance, and although I couldn’t quite figure it out at the time, I decided to start drawing, knowing the answer would come in time.
Then last Sunday, on the 7th, the 2nd vision came of the face of a Chief encased in a cloud. Searching afterwards, I could not find the right image and/or determine who it was I saw, but I knew it was someone important.
Two days later, I saw an article talking about the great Chief Joseph Medicine Crow who had died 2 days earlier, the very same day of my vision, and suddenly I realized he was the one I saw. I feel honored such a set of strong visions came to me, and it goes to show that if you stop, listen, and be patient enough to wait, the quest for the answers you seek will come.
“"In Pursuit Of One's Dreams"”
Recently I had a dream riding on a white horse chasing a white bison while heading the opposite direction of a herd of brown and black horses. The sacred white bison is considered to be a great sign of abundance and hope. Sometimes to reach the goal of our dreams, we must be willing to go against the crowd, and while this can be rather difficult, we must be brave to pursue our dreams, as the reward for achieving our dreams has no equal.
