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Tennessee has a rich history. Six Indian tribes once settled there: Cherokee, Chickasaw, Koasati, Quapaw, Shawnee and Yuchi. During the Civil War, the state was a flashpoint in the Union/Confederate struggle. The Volunteer State also has a vivid natural history. The majestic Smoky Mountains at the state’s eastern border are home to some 600 miles of trout streams as well as myriad wildlife including as black bear, elk and mountain lions.

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Born and raised in Franklin, Tennessee, artist James L. Heilman has been deeply influenced by the history and geography of his home state. The artist, photographer and graphic designer is known for his vivid paintings of Native Americans and wildlife. Franklin was the site of the Second Battle of Franklin, whose first 15 minutes is said to have been the bloodiest 15 minutes in American history. Always influenced by his environment, Heilman has recently begun a series of Civil War paintings, as well.

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Heilman, who is largely self-taught, calls his artistic ability “one of those gifts from God.” Those who live far from God’s natural works feel transported by his canvases of wildlife, bucolic of vistas of animals like bears, wolves and eagles. They remind the viewer of the respect and protection demanded by the too-rare wildlife of America. From a nude woman bathing to a chief whose pipe billows buffalo-shaped smoke, Heilman’s Indian paintings are imbued with a mixture of sensuality and spirituality. For a taste of the wild world of Jim Heilman, visit http://www.jimheilmanstudios.com/

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