Smartweed and Brook Trout

Smartweed, also known as Biting Knotweed or Water Pepper, is a member of the buckwheat family and is common along stream banks and other shallow waterways throughout North America. It is shown on this hand painted Native American drum together with the spirit of the colorful Brook Trout, an exceptionally vigorous, colorful and tasty fish. In herbal medicine, the plant is added to baths to help ease rheumatism, epilepsy, and for contraceptive purposes.

Lore assigns many strange powers to Smartweed. Placing it beneath a horse’s saddle, for example, is believed to prevent the horse from hunger and thirst. Spreading it around a room, is thought to rid the place of fleas. A Cherokee elder, well versed in herbal medicine and lore, professed its usefulness in catching fish, but would not divulge the secret.

Drums

After attending a few drumming circles with friends, Jean became inspired to create unique hand painted drums. The imagery adds a new dimension to the drum, and provides an opportunity to connect more deeply with the spirit of nature. The drums are painted with acrylic and sealed with a clear finish. This does not affect the quality of the sound, and the art can withstand the rigors of most playing styles.

These drums are meant to be used as musical instruments and as tools for personal transformation. Collectors often buy them, however, to be displayed as works of art. Although some drum designs have been painted more than once, none are reproductions. Each one is an original hand painted creation. Many of Jean’s drums are commissions designed for particular individuals who request certain images and themes.