Terry McCue

"Fly" by Terry McCue captures the spiritual essence of equine power through a striking turquoise horse adorned with red spots racing across a dark void. The Ojibway artist's deep cultural beliefs transform this creature into a mystical being, with its flaming red mane and distinctive spotted coat embodying the Indigenous understanding that animals are our relatives, possessing their own cultural integrity. The dramatic composition reflects McCue's philosophy that humans must consider their relationship with the natural world through a lens of respect and wonder.

About Fly by Terry McCue

Created in 2020, this oil on canvas measures 60 by 40 inches, a scale that amplifies its dramatic presence. The painting exemplifies McCue's distinctive artistic vision, developed through self-taught exploration and influenced by his cousin, artist Arthur Schilling. Born on the Curve Lake Reserve in Ontario, McCue brought his Indigenous perspective to Alberta in 1976, where he balanced his artistic development with work supporting Indigenous communities. His belief that "we have life because they have life" radiates through this piece, where the horse emerges as both physical and spiritual entity.

The painting's extraordinary turquoise palette and symbolic patterning invite viewers to embrace new perceptions and make an imaginative leap into Indigenous ways of seeing. Just as McCue's moose wear rainbows and his bears travel with spirit guardians, this horse transcends ordinary representation to become a messenger of deeper truths about our connection to the natural world. The work reflects the artist's lifelong mission to reveal the "astounding beauty and mystery of the world not wrapped in our skin," encouraging viewers to consider their own relationship with the magical beings that share our world.