Earl Livermore, a Blackfeet artist originally from the Blackfeet reservation in Montana, has followed a multitude of paths in his diverse career. From his position as Executive Director for the San Francisco Indian Center, to his critical role in the 1969 occupation of Alcatraz, and his completion of a Master’s Degree in Education from Harvard University, Livermore has an extensive background to say the least. These achievements aside, Livermore’s passion has always been art.
He describes his work as “influenced by nature, with mountains and trees added often to designs to create geometric forms. An example is shown in Blackfeet tipi designs. The designs were repetitious in order to create and enhance the balance and symbolic meaning.”
Livermore’s work as a professional artist also reflects his different interests and abilities. Largely depicting the history and culture of the Blackfeet people, his art varies from highly detailed pen and ink sketches to oil and watercolor paintings. Livermore does not confine himself to a particular style or treatment of a subject, preferring instead to continually experiment in the creation of new forms of expression. Most recently, he has entered in to the field of pottery. Livermore states, “I enjoy pottery. At times it can be challenging, but for the most part it gives you an opportunity to relax and be creative. While doing pottery I use both the wheel and hand building techniques. In decorating, I use contemporary and traditional designs with an emphasis on form making. Form making is not limited to the essentials of function. At times I try to endow the pot with more than its obvious function; for example, by placing a 3-dimensional eagle on top of the lid, the pot fulfills a more diverse function.” Livermore creates his pottery at the Edmonds Community College, where the artists studied pottery and now resides.
The exhibition is Livermore’s second at the Museum of the Plains Indian; his first exhibition took place in 1974 and featured his paintings. Prices of Earl Livermore’s pottery may be obtained upon request by calling the Pikuni Gift Shop, an enterprise operated by the Blackfeet Community College, at (406) 338-7957 or (406) 338-7954.
Following the exhibition, you may contact the artist directly at:
Earl Livermore
P.O. Box 954
Edmonds, Washington, 98020.
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