In post #69, @TAH shared some paintings by Hyrum Joe (Navajo, Southern Ute, Hopi, and White Mountain Apache). I just came across an advertisement for an artist demonstration that Blue Rain Gallery will be hosting Hyrum in and wanted to share another of his paintings, along with Native American Art Magazines’ words concerning him.
A dedicated chronicler of the daily life of the Navajo, Hyrum Joe evinces a keen eye and a deft hand as he lovingly depicts quotidian scenes that convey the quiet dignity and humanity of his people.
I’ve gathered a couple historical books on sandpainting and associated legends, and while preparing a post to share them, I found this really neat post card inside one book’s slipcase.
Which prompted some homework on L.W. Holling and the series of artworks mentioned in that card’s description. I learned that they were printed on yucca wood veneer and came across these, among many others, all dating to the 40’s. I thought some here would enjoy.
In Prescott, we visited the Phippen Museum for the first time. Artist Ray Swanson was born in South Dakota, but ended up living in Carefree, AZ most of his life. After his death, his studio was moved to the museum, which was a real treat to see. Note the Navajo children’s clothing on the wall.
While doing a bit of research on earlier wearing blankets, I came across this photo that Mark Maggiori shared of his painting, Brother by Blood, on display at the Lunder Research Center in Taos last year. The two weavings accompanying it are the ones he painted. This particular artwork has been shared in this thread previously, among many other Maggiori’s, but I thought the blankets made for a stunning presentation.
That’s a great photo, Aaron. Thanks for posting it! The two serapes are from Tres Estrellas in Taos. The owner, Chris Ferguson and Mark Maggiori are close friends. Here’s the photo I took at Chris’ gallery in 2023 showing both serapes on display.
This is lovely, Tom, thank you for posting it! I recall you mentioning Chris and Mark being great friends. How cool to know that Chris lent him the textiles to paint!
@BlytheEcho I love this take on the nativity! I collect nativity scenes for Christmas decorations, and this is a view that I certainly don’t have. What a great perspective!
No kidding. I’m secondhand selling all my son’s old clothes and baby equipment at seasonal sales, much to my husband’s chagrin about having to help me haul it to the sale site… but I use that money to buy jewelry! That’s all my reward for the work of preparing for the sale, and volunteering my time at it. And I already walk more than a mile back and forth between parking and work now, so I don’t know how much more I can park further out without selling the car completely. Hahaha.
Paying close attention to dress and details, Mr. Mann uses live models for his paintings.
David Mann’s nocturne The Silver Gift is a technical feat depicting moonlight and its shadows across the scene. In the work, a young woman on horseback admires a necklace - the titular silver gift from the man who flanks the steed. Adding more context to the work, Mann says, As Navajo parents depart into a moonlit night, their daughter lingers to receive a token of friendship, or maybe more than that from her admirer. I enjoy the subtleties of human relationships.The man (in the image) is Omaha and was a good sport about dressing up as a Navajo, Mann says of his model. The girl (on horseback) is Navajo/Omaha and is his daughter.
-Southwest Art and Legacy Gallery, Holiday Small Works Show, November 18th, 2025.
I thought the soft light from the fire was a subtle and perfect splash of color.
Her blouse and dress look like they’re shimmering! The silver of her new necklace is eye catching, as is one of the conchos on his belt. The dance of light and shadows in this is a spectacle, I love it.
I though it was beautiful and I’m glad you guys enjoyed!
Tom this is stunning! I like his hat and its band, and I’m really admiring her wearing blanket. It looks like an extension of the butte in the background.
The silver of her new necklace is eye catching, as is one of the conchos on his belt. 