In 1882, Brush traveled to the American West, initiating what would become a decade-long engagement with portraying American Indians. He craftsmanship that was fading as the country rapidly became industrialized. This painting, executed after Brush had spent time in Canada, Mexico, and Florida, offers a quiet meditation on creativity. By portraying an artisan painting an object of beauty by hand, Brush aligned his own identity and values as a painter with that of the native craftsman.