On and Off the Wall is a series of brief reflections on or about works in the collection, including those that may not often make an appearance on the gallery wall due to shortage of display space. Deborah Spanich is the museum registrar. She compiled the digital database and fell in love with many of the works in the collection.

One of the artists in the Maier’s collection with no formal training, Hopi artist Dawakema’s works appeal to me with their vivid color and recurrent circular shapes. His name, Dawakema, means “House of the Sun.” He has shared his view of Native American culture since he was a young man. It may come as no surprise that Dawakema was once on staff with a detective agency; he strikes me as a quiet observer of details that communicate the larger picture. Even though I lack schooling in the symbolism and traditions of the Hopi, I respond to the sense of movement and passion in these two warriors. The Museum is fortunate to have three of his paintings in the collection. Though once long on display in Houston Chapel, they have rarely been seen by the public in recent years. Check out his other paintings in the online collection catalog (look for the hands).

Cloud Maidens http://maier.randolphcollege.edu/Obj114$35

Kildeer http://maier.randolphcollege.edu/Obj115$35