The Navajo Gallery:

Pottery | Sculpture | Sand Paintings & Memory Aids| Folk Art

 

The Navajo, who refer to themselves as Dine’ or "the people," have a long tradition of artistic excellence. In the 19th century, Navajo weavers were prolific producers of intricately woven blankets. Prime examples of these hang in museums and private collections and sell for tens of thousands of dollars when they come up in auctions. Around the turn of the century, production shifted primarily to rugs woven on the same principle, using a vertical loom of fixed dimensions. There are no written plans as beautiful, symmetrical designs emanate from the imagination and skill of the weaver, weft-by-weft

Folk Art
Perhaps the most popular genre of Navajo art is that which currently is appearing in significant number – "folk art." This colorful representation of Navajo culture and of the domestic and exotic animals of the world has it own charm and humor. From chickens to pigs to zebras and hippos, it is almost impossible to hold or look at these works without generating a smile and special respect for the carver. Among the more popular of these artists are Les Herbert, Edith John. Marvin Jim and Matthew Yellowman.
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Call 239-482-7025 or 800-305-0185 for more information or to order

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Scroll down for more Navajo Folk Art - pottery, sculpture, sand paintings

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Isn't Navajo folk art fun? Do you have a piece in your home?

Matthew Yellowman was born in Montezuma Creek, UT. His parents were Hugh and Helen Yellowman. Their well-traveled life
led to many changes in Matthew's life as he was growing up. After high school in Ogden, UT, Matthew was trained in masonry work.
His artistic calling brought him to start wood carving in 1996, when he was influenced by Navajo folk artist, Rena Juan.
Today, Matthew and Rena often work together, collaborating on ideas. But each does his own "thing".

Matthew finds pieces of dried cotton wood around Navajoland. After rough-cutting the wood,
Yellowman uses various mechanical tools to create and finish details. When several pieces have been carved, the painting starts.

Yellowman does not sketch his ideas before carving. He lets his inner vision guide him to the form and shape,
often very complex, to carve. yellowman's arts has given him considerable fame. Occasionally, he can be found at a pow-wow or
show, demonstrating his work. Mostly, however, he prefers to work where it's quiet and private, with relaxing music in the background.

Work by Matthew Yellowman is higly prized and very collectable. Each piece brings a special smile and touch of humor to the owner's life.

 

Pottery
Navajo pottery historically has been more utilitarian in style and construction than the pottery of nearby pueblos. In recent decades, however, more artistic work has emerged and the collection of Navajo art pottery has soared. Potters such as Alice Cling, Suzie Crank and Lorraine Williams are producing extraordinarily beautiful pieces, well-formed, well-polished and impressive in style and shape. For more examples of Native American pottery, visit our sister site at Native-PotteryLink.

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Sculpture
Sculpture by Navajo artists also has established itself as world-class quality.
Subjects in alabaster and other native stones take their inspiration from Navajo legends and the individual vision of outstanding sculptors.

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Sand Paintings & Memory Aids
Another area of Navajo art concerns the traditional ceremonial sand paintings. These designs , when used in various healing ceremonies, provide a spiritual bridge to the other world where harmony reigns. The market is filled with second rate sand paintings that are sold at low cost as clocks, jewelry boxes and inexpensive décor. At the other end of the quality spectrum, extraordinarily detailed sand paintings, employing authentic designs (missing elements not intended for outside exposure), are created by artists of incredible talent. Among these, Hostein Etsitty is a standout. Yet another aspect of sand painting art is "memory aids." These are paintings on muslin, done almost exclusively by the Halate family, of various elements used in creating working sand paintings. Examples of these pieces are becoming more difficult to find.

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Examples of all these art forms are shown in this special Navajo section. Additional examples also in the gallery’s inventory are not shown here but will be provided upon request.