The Earth and I are One

by Enoch Kelley Haney

The Earth and I are One is a mystical painting of a meditating Native American sitting amongst Oklahoma’s state wildflower, the Indian blanket. The Native American’s translucent physical being merges with the wonders of nature that surround him. The state bird of Oklahoma, a scissortail flycatcher, and America’s national fowl, the bald eagle, hover above the native peacemaker as if guarding him. The Oklahoma natural splender envelops the figure creating and atmosphere of calming peace.

The symbolism within this piece is a true testament to the artist’s love for his native state. The crystal blue lake and the velvety green grass are common occurrences throughout Oklahoma. The overall feel of the painting is that of Oklahomans’ deep respect and admiration for the natural beauty that surrounds us. Accordingly, The Earth and I are One was dedicated on Earth Day, 1990.

The Earth and I are One by Enoch Kelly Haney is located on the first floor of the Oklahoma State Capitol and can be viewed daily from 8:30-5:30. It was sponsored by Kerr-McGee in cooperation with the office of Attorney General Robert Henry and the Oklahoma Arts Council.

The Artist

Truly a modern-day renaissance man, Enoch Kelly Haney’s talents span two separate spheres - namely politics and art.  Born on November 12, 1940 to William Woodrow and Hattie Louise Haney, Enoch grew up in Seminole, Oklahoma.  The son of a full blood Seminole and Creek Indian, Haney’s own grandfather was chief of the Seminole Tribe in the 1940s.  Haney’s interest in Indian people is evident in his art, as he puts a great amount of energy into the research and documentation of Native American culture and traditions.  His work is exacting in its detail and representation of native peoples.  Haney received his Associate of Arts degree from Bacone College, and his Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts from Oklahoma City University.  In 1962 he was honored with the Rockefeller Foundation Scholarship at the University of Arizona.  Haney was designated as the Master Artist of the Five Civilized Tribes in 1975. He has earned the Governor’s Art Award, Distinguished Alumni Award and the Indian Heritage Award.  Along with his work as an artist, Haney has served terms in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, as well as the Senate.  Haney’s colossal statue, “The Guardian,” stands prominently atop the Oklahoma State Capitol dome where it was lifted on June 7, 2002.