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James Bama, "Little Star", Signed Limited Edition

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:275.00 USD Estimated At:600.00 - 1,200.00 USD
James Bama,  Little Star , Signed Limited Edition
Featured in this lot is this James Bama Signed Limited Edition, "Little Star", #554/1500, 1979, hand signed in pencil on the right middle close to the border, COA included. "'Little Star' is the Indian name for Millie Cody, the beautiful Navajo maiden who served as my model for this painting. I had the unique opportunity to observe her teaching ancient crafts in Indian dress, going to church in a long pioneer-style gown, and dacing to a Chicago rock group record in hip-huggers. I felt that, if she had entered, she could easily haver become Miss Indian America. To me she was." James Bama (1926-2022) was an American artist known for his realistic paintings and etchings of Western Subjects. Life in Wyoming led to his comment, "Here an artist can trace the beginnings of Western history, see the first buildings, the oldest wagons, saddles and guns, and be up close to the remnants of Indian culture ... And you can stand surrounded by nature's wonders." Bama is considered by many as the most "realistic" illustrator in a galaxy of talented artists. Through his simple, yet powerful compositions, he breathes life and humanity into his subjects. Critics and collectors classify him as a Western artist. He calls himself an "American Realist." In a profile piece about artists who have made the successful transition from illustration to painting western art in Art of the West , Bama says,"It was cheaper than having to build a set. I could do winter stuff in summer and summer stuff in winter. I was busy." In an extremely successful twenty-two year career as a commercial artist, he produced book covers, movie posters and illustrations for such notable magazines as The Saturday Evening Post, Argosy and Reader's Digest. Bama's style is marked by detailed realism tempered by a compassionate understanding of his subjects. This Limited Edition Signed print is in very nice condition, slight creases noted along borders but not on the visible print area, no other obvious marring noted. Measures 15"W x 19"L.