Wise Investment In Native American Art
Fattcatt
William E. "Billy" Varnell is a member of the Western Cherokee Tribe and is
listed in the "Biographical Directory of Native American Painters".
William became fascinated with art as a child sketching Native Cherokee
pictures on anything available at the moment. An elder artist noticed his
ability and became a mentor by providing him paints and canvas. All that
Billy needed was a little encouragement; the talent was there. Mr. Varnell
has done personal studies of primitive Indian artwork including cave wall
paintings in North America. The valuable theme he acquired within this
investigation has been the honoring and revitalization of the spirit and the
message of the artist.
In June of 2004 he received Honorable Mention at the Trail of Tears
Competition with "SCALP DANCE" at the 33rd annual Trail of Tears show.
William Varnell has been participating in this competition since 1983. Being
placed in with the company of renowned artists such as Talmadge Davis, Murv
Jacob, Lena Blackbird, Joan Hill, Benjamin Harjo, Virginia Stroud, Bill
Glass, K Henderson and many others.
William's focus is authentic, primitive native art and his work is
recognized around world. His grandfather, a storyteller in his tribe has
been a major influence in his art. When any Native American or educated
historian looks at a piece of Mr. Varnell's artwork it literally tells them
a story.