Willard Elms, Navajo Land, 1950
I wasn’t familiar with Willard Elms, but I like Navajo Land so much that I looked him up. Apparently, he was mostly known for his travel posters, but he also painted original art outside of the commercially reproduced posters.
The quality of these images isn’t the best, but I really like his style. These are all from the 1940s.
This is beautiful work, thank you for sharing these, Tom. I really like the subdued, imperfect, almost “sketch-like” vibe, very pleasing!
I’m a huge admirer of Allen Bahe’s paintings, especially his depictions of Navajo Yei. But I recently came across the works of Navajo artist Robert Yellowhair (1937-2016) who I was unfamiliar with, and I find his works enjoyable as well.
Untitled, 1973
Winter Dance, 1973
Tony Peña (1898-1984), significant San Ildefonso Pueblo potter. Photo by Laura Gilpin, 1945, San Ildefonso Pueblo.
This morning I was reading of Awa Tsireh, a Pueblo artist and metalsmith, and wanted to share. I know @chicfarmer has mentioned him in the book thread, but I find his paintings simply beautiful and his metalworking just as accomplished. His taste in belts ain’t bad either…
My aunt has this signed print in her guest room of a NA take on the Nativity scene, which I just find so interesting and bizarre. While I was visiting this time, I noticed ALL the jewelry and thought you guys might appreciate it, too. My photos are terrible due to lighting, but I found the image online and am sharing it, as well. The conchos (?) on the shoes really caught my eye.
It is signed by Harrison Begay and Haskay Yahne Yah.
I think it’s absolutely beautiful!
I would definitely purchase this for my home. At first glance I thought the concho shoes were Chuck Taylor high tops. Thank you for sharing it with us.
That’s a great photo, Aaron. This gentleman could just as easily be in the Turquoise Fashion thread.
So much to look at in this photo. Thanks for sharing it.
Lots of belts, textiles, painting and artworks at this auction. https://auctions.morphyauctions.com/catalog.aspx?auctionid=660
There is some nice horse tack! Thanks for sharing!
Yes…I forgot to mention all the horse stuff for the horse owners and horse lovers.
Renderings of Navajo men, their attire, and adornment, from A Navajo Sketch Book, Don Perceval and Clay Lockett, 1962
This sketch of Yébîchai dancers is from the same publication. Their necklaces, concho belts, and cuffs are barely discernible, but I thought they’d make for welcome additions as well.
I’m going to join @TAH in the breaking of his own rule to share a piece of artwork that’s not showcasing silver or turquoise, but is still significant. Mark Maggiori’s work has been shared by Tom in the past, but I wanted to add this relatively recent work of his.
Mark is exceedingly talented at portraying the West, and he has a way with words that evokes similar talent. His quote accompanying this painting is, in my opinion, just as magnificent as his brushstrokes.
Tiwa, 40" x 50", oil on Raymar panel
At first glance, you might see two riders-“Indians,” as history has often generalized. But look closer. Ray on the left and Peter on the right. Each is a world unto himself: a son, brother, a storyteller, guardian of tradition, a bearer of dreams and burdens. They are Tiwa men, part of a living culture with roots deeper than any frontier.
How often do we reduce people to labels, missing the richness of their stories? We don’t know them so we assume everything. But when we take the time to listen and see beyond the surface, we uncover shared humanity. Empathy grows, and with it, the possibility of understanding and peace. Always.
The Tiwa people, like many Indigenous communities, have preserved their identity and traditions despite centuries of challenges. Their stories are not relics of the past but living narratives that continue to shape their communities today.
May this piece serve as a gentle reminder: every person we encounter carries a depth of experience and identity. Let’s strive to see beyond the immediate and embrace the full tapestry of human stories. We are all one. We are a lot more. We are mankind. - Mark Maggiori
Another masterpiece by Mark and his clouds never disappoint. Western art at its finest!
The last time we were in Taos, we almost got to meet Mark and visit his studio. Chris Ferguson, owner of Tres Estrellas, and Mark are close friends. Chris offered to introduce us, but unfortunately, Mark was out of the country.
So very neat, Tom! How awesome it would have been for you guys to meet him and see his studio. Very cool that Chris offered to make the introduction!
I’d read recently that Mark was surprised with a chance meeting of one of his longtime idols. He was working in his studio, and Kevin Costner popped in, introduced himself, and said he’d like to buy a painting.