Gerald Cournoyer
Gerald Cournoyer, a Lakota from Marty, South Dakota followed his hero Oscar Howe to the University of Oklahoma, to pursue, and eventually achieve, his Master’s of Fine Arts in painting. Previously, Cournoyer attended the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, where he received an Associate Degree in Fine Art in painting. He later, received his Bachelor of Fine Arts, and then a Master’s degree, at the University of South Dakota in Interdisciplinary Studies. After receiving his Master’s Degree at OU, he was employed as an adjunct professor of painting. Cournoyer is a dedicated and creative artist whose artistic boundaries were expanded under the tutelage of Professor George Hughes. Cournoyer came from a skilled background of stylized Ledger art and figurative Indian portraits. Over time, his work at OU expanded into vibrant abstract watercolors and acrylics. This eventually led him into patterns of Lakota quillwork on canvas, including large nonfigurative expanses of color and form that offer the viewer an opportunity to explore the depth of scintillating color combined with Native patterns. These intricate patterns are based on the early quillwork of the Northern Plains quill designs and are prominent in the Lakota iconography.
Through artistic evaluation, Cournoyer rediscovered a new process, creating a progressive piece of work ending with a distinct high gloss finish. As he lived within his surroundings, Gerald took imagery, color, texture and dimensions immersing the viewer in his creation. Gerald Cournoyer’s work is exhibited in regional, national, and international venues.
