Santa Fe Shaman and Medicine Potion

Bert D. Seabourn 1931-

Place of Birth: Red Barn , TX
Tribe(s): Cherokee
Biography: Bert Seabourn knew he wanted to be an artist when he was in the first grade. In the eighth grade, he sold his first cartoon to King Features Syndicate. In High school, Bert would hop a freight train or hitchhike from Purcell to Oklahoma City to visit the Oklahoma Museum of Art. Bert joined the Navy during the Korean War. Although he lacked art training, the Navy put Bert to work as an illustrator.

Bert began to explore his Indian heritage & incorporate it in his art. Bert is best known for combining images of birds & animals with the face of an old wise medicine man, the keeper of the culture for all Indian tribes. Bert says he tries to show feelings & compassion through his paintings for a way of life which once was, but will never be again.

Bert studied art at Oklahoma City University, the University of Oklahoma & with the Famous Artists correspondence Art school. He has worked as a journalist, publicity & advertising director, commercial artist, draftsman, free-lance artist & sculptor. In 1978, Bert became a full-time painter. Bert works in oil, acrylic, watercolor, pen & ink, & prints. He currently resides in Oklahoma City, OK.