White buffalo are very rare. This piece depicts “Big Medicine” a partially albino bull born in 1933 on the National Bison Range. Except for a brown patch above the crown, he had an “off white” pelt. His fur was lightly tinged with cream or beige just after the spring molt and by late winter it would bleach to a pure white.
I believe working with natural materials gives an authenticity to these majestic animals. “Big Medicine” is adorned with buffalo fur, pheasant and turkey feathers, deer thong, and French brass beads. The six shields are made from birch bark, flowers, leaves and porcupine quills.
Big Medicine died in 1959 at the age of 26. His skin was mounted for display in the Montana Historical Society at Helena.
Information on Big Medicine found in “The Time of the Buffalo” by Tom McHugh
Gail was born and raised in Custer, SD. After living in Montana for 17 years, she moved back to the beautiful Black Hills. She has always had a love of nature and wildlife. Hiking and gardening provide endless hours of gathering and pressing all kinds of flowers and leaves. It is through the encouragement and observation of artistic friends that Gail started to create her botanical art. Her work can be found in galleries in Custer and throughout the Black Hills.
