Cook Artist Appraisal

Chief Rande Cook Squirrel

This item is an oil painting on panel titled "Chief Rande Cook Squirrel" by artist Carollyne Yardley, created in 2014. The painting measures 36 x 48 inches and is identified as the 2nd piece out of an edition of 8. The artwork depicts an anthropomorphic squirrel figure adorned in elaborate traditional Indigenous ceremonial regalia. The central figure, a realistic squirrel, wears a vibrant, multi-layered costume. The headwear is particularly striking, featuring a large, stylized mask resembling a bird, possibly an eagle or hawk, with a prominent yellow beak, intricate red and black designs, and white accents, all crowning the squirrel's head. The main body of the regalia consists of a rich red and black cloak or robe, heavily embellished with white beaded or embroidered patterns. These patterns appear geometric and symbolic, with notable motifs including a large, white thunderbird-like design on the front of the skirt portion of the outfit. Other patterns resemble stylized animal or plant forms. The colors are deeply saturated, contrasting sharply with the dark, moody background, which transitions from a rich brown at the bottom to a deeper, almost black tone at the top. The overall composition is symmetrical, with the squirrel figure centered and standing upright. The squirrel's 'feet' are adorned with what appear to be modern blue shoes, adding an unexpected, contemporary twist to the traditional attire. Visible craftsmanship suggests a high level of detail in rendering both the squirrel's fur and the intricate patterns of the costume. The artwork is in excellent condition, with no visible smudges, scratches, or wear. The artist's signature, "CAROLLYNE '14 2/8," is clearly visible in the lower right corner, indicating the artist, year of creation, and edition number, reinforcing its authenticity and collectible nature. The style combines realism for the squirrel with highly stylized, almost graphic elements for the regalia, bridging traditional Indigenous art forms with contemporary animal portraiture.