Awhile back, we embarked on our annual family vacation and we chose to visit Sedona AZ and the neighboring towns and attractions. During our travels I was attracted to our Native Americans Artwork that seemed to be all over the place in that region of our country. I knew I was going to be inundated with Native art so I read up on the region before we departed, but the amount I saw was overwhelming. I became pretty sharp at discerning the difference between a cheap knockoff, and the real thing. There are different levels of craftsmanship in Native American Art, and you could spend accordingly. I quickly gravitated to the pieces that were being made by unique individuals that are known for their art work, and of course, signed, although a signed piece doesn't guarantee value except when it is signed by the right artist. The pottery was beautiful, the woodworking was awesome, and the fabrics and blankets, when produced in a singularly manner, were incredible. And as I stated before, you could pay accordingly.

Virtually all the artwork we come upon were from the Navajo Tribe or the Diné in the region. And their artwork was seen on roadsides, specialty shops, and even private settings. I was struck by a art dealer that converted a portion of his very beautiful home off hwy 89A just north of Sedona into a gallery of sorts. He specialized in artifacts, and artwork from well known Native Americans in the art world. I just absolutely fell in love with the art, and the culture of the Navajo. 

On our trip we also visited Flagstaff and of course what visit would be complete without a tour of the Grand Canyon, it was my first time visiting the Canyon, it was a spiritually moving experience for myself and my family. It truly is a wonder of the world.

My point of this post, I am brainstorming on incorporating the Native American style into some of my work in the future. And I was hoping to get some feedback from the folks around here for ideas.

I am thinking along the lines of dimensional work, sharp edges, flowing long graceful lines, perhaps a bit of texture mixed in such as some chip carving at the base and transitioning to a smooth surface as it nears midsection of the work.  I always wanted to mix tapestry or fabric into a table or any other type of furnishing. I am not naming the piece I want to build, because I am not sure what it is yet, I just know how I want it to appear, long, flowing, almost jet like, maybe with a Navajo flair with turquoise free forms embedded. I am just thinking aloud.

How about you guys, have you ever just wanted to put something down on paper, no matter how weird it looks, and go from there? But it must be a useful and purposeful piece.

Thanks for reading. 

Very cool Robert!

Robert M said:

I made this.  No particular Tribe.  Medicinal purposes, only. 

 

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My wife and I like Southwest decor which also spills over into some Native American and Mexican designs and Mission style furnishings as well as A&C furniture (they all play nicely together and match well). My inlaws live in Yuma, AZ and when we visit them we like to make a stop down in the old town area and come across all kinds of stuff ranging from trash to treasure. Some years ago we were looking for a Southwest/Native American design rug to hang on a wall. We found a design that we liked and it was not too much money. Of course it was made overseas nowhere near the Southwest of the USA, but we liked it and it fit with the decor. Once we got it home I set about making a rug hanger for it that fit into the design. It was made with red oak and ebony and worked out well.