Indian River Gallery

The Wonderful Works of Kathleen Wall

2012-01-11T13:55:00.000-08:00

Indian River Gallery is extremely proud and pleased to represent the great work by highly acclaimed award winning artist Kathleen Wall.

Kathleen is from the Jemez pueblo in N.M. She has been working in clay since the tender age of 8 years old. Kathleen comes from a long line of pottery artists specializing in storytellers. Kathleen was taught by her mother Fannie Loretto, who in turn was taught by her mother, Cari Loretto. Kathleen’s father is a Chippewa stone sculptor so Kathleen definitely has the creative blood running through her veins! Kathleen says that growing up surrounded by the clay she knew that it was the obvious path for her to take. She says that working with the clay came naturally to her, it was not easy but it was a natural process. Kathleen works mainly in clay but she also works in the bronze medium.

Kathleen works in her small studio in Jemez. She feels extremely blessed to have been given the space by her grandfather before he passed away. He told her that she would always have a place to create her artwork. Her studio is extremely inspiring to her, her grandfather built his two room adobe home in the 1950’s. Her mother was born in the home in front of the fireplace. Kathleen has since recreated the small home and added a new fireplace just for her mother. Kathleen says that being surrounded by her culture, her family and the natural materials found in Jemez she feels a strong connection to the people and the land which they call home.

Kathleen’s career as an artist had flourished by the age of 17. Kathleen went on to receive formal training at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, N.M. where she studied fine art. Kathleen’s work is constantly evolving and moving forward but her work is very much based on the traditions of pueblo life and has a strong influence from the past. Kathleen has won numerous awards for her work. She was also featured in several publications and at the Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque in a one-woman show. Kathleen presented a storyteller to First Lady Laura Bush at a women’s congressional luncheon in April 2006.

Her contemporary take on the traditional Koshari clown moves her into a realm of her own. The Koshari clown is a very important character within the pueblo culture. The Koshari appears at ceremonies and at gatherings in the pueblo villages on feast days. They are there solely to entertain the people and are often very boisterous and loud, fooling around and are often gluttonous! They will offer piki bread to the villagers in the audience. (piki; a paper thin bread made from cornmeal, the batter is cooked on a baking stone, this is served traditionally at ceremonies and very important gatherings). The Koshari clown will often appear as drummers for other dances. The Koshari is also known as the Hano or Tewa clown on the Hopi Mesas. They are considered to be the fathers of the Kachinas.

Indian River Gallery is pleased to feature in the gallery those wonderful Koshari clowns that Kathleen has become famous for. These whimsical little characters are cheerful, uplifting and you cannot help but smile when you see these beautiful creations that she makes out of both bronze and clay. The Koshari clowns that we have here in the gallery are in bronze. They are of small limited edition sizes and are signed and numbered by Kathleen.

To have one of Kathleen’s pieces in any collection would be both impressive and also bring a positive, uplifting feeling to any home! These characters are just adorable!

Do not miss the opportunity to enjoy one of these beautiful creations in your home by the highly respected artist Kathleen Wall.

Please visit www.indianrivergallery.com to add one of these little guys to your collection!

- Alyson Godfrey.

The Wild Beauty of Doug Van Howd is Now 10% Off!

2012-01-03T16:52:00.000-08:00

Starting January 1st at Indian River Gallery get 10% off any bronze sculpture by Doug Van Howd!

Douglas Van Howd is a world-acclaimed painter and sculptor whose works grace the collections of many heads of state and dignitaries.

Since 1988 he has been commissioned to create and install monumental sculptures at prestigious locations all over the world. Now you can add your home or office to the list of wonderful locations where Doug’s work is displayed.

Be sure to visit us at www.indianrivergallery.com to discover the wild beauty of Doug Van Howd’s creations. This offer ends January 31st, so don't wait!

December Promotion - 10% Off All Web Purchases!

2011-11-23T14:11:00.000-08:00

Starting December 1st at Indian River Gallery get 10% off any online purchase!*

In this age when online shopping is beginning to eclipse sales at traditional brick and mortar stores, we are happy to encourage our customers to take advantage of the tremendous selection available at indianrivergallery.com!

Choose from award-winning artists in almost every category, including pottery, paintings, silver & inlay jewelry, bolos, concho belts, vintage pawn, Katsinas, fetishes, knives and storytellers.

All orders received by December 12^th are guaranteed to arrive by Christmas (U.S. orders only). For orders after that date, or for international orders, please call for additional delivery options.

With everyone looking to save time and money this holiday season, what better way to express your taste and individuality than by finding the perfect holiday gift at indianrivergallery.com!

* Excludes gold jewelry & bronze sculptures

A Visual Feast

2011-11-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

This month at Indian River Gallery get 10% off all of our beautiful pottery!

From the historically important works of Maria Martinez to the creations of modern masters such as Steve Lucas, you can save on every pottery piece in the gallery all during the month of November!

Choose from pots, bowls, wedding vases, seed pots, miniatures, plates and more from all the major Southwestern pueblos. Whether you’re looking for that perfect Santa Clara pot, or that rare Camilio Tafoya miniature, or an especially stunning Acoma vase, Indian River Gallery has the selection that discerning collectors demand.

As we prepare for the feasts that come with November, enjoy the visual feast that is the pottery collection at Indian River Gallery!

Time Travel

2011-10-29T16:45:00.000-07:00

When I hold one of our magnificent antiques in my hands, I get the sense of traversing the years. Going back to a time when hand-crafted items played an important role in daily life. I contemplate the hours that went into creating one of our majestic Navajo weavings, or one of the stunning beadwork pieces on display in our gallery. The years of training, the wisdom of generations, and centuries of tradition are right there in each artifact. All we have to do is appreciate the history within each piece and cherish the opportunity to touch the past.

A perfect example of this is a Sioux beaded game ball that dates back to the 1890s. This rare & beautiful authentic antique beaded game ball was most likely used at the start of a game of shinney (an extremely athletic game, resembling hockey, that often left players severely injured). This ball would be used at the beginning of a game in a ceremonial fashion before the actual game ball (which was made of simple leather) was thrown onto the field. About the size of a tennis ball, it features beading on a brain-tanned hide in lazy stitch form with all of the beads intact.

One can visualize the spectacle of dozens to hundreds of Native American athletes passing, dodging, and running across a huge field in the prarielands – all being cheered on by thousands more on the sidelines. Something like Monday night football comes to mind with more blood and less corporate sponsorship. It’s all there when you hold this small artifact in the palm of your hand.

This rare gem, along with many other antiques, is available at Indian River Gallery. Go to our web site to discover them all.

Creations From Earth

2011-10-09T15:56:00.000-07:00

Pottery making has been a way of life for Native Americans for centuries. Ancient pottery shards have been discovered at archaeological digs for hundreds of years. It was not until recently, in the early 20th century, that this pottery was recognized as works of art. Previously, pottery was largely utilitarian, providing storage and transportation for various items such as water, corn and beans. When tinware and enamelware became more readily available, the need for handmade pottery diminished greatly. There were a few Native potters that helped to bring back the tradition, such as Maria Martinez, Nampeyo, Lucy Lewis and Sara Fina Tafoya.

The process by which these artists construct their wares consists of six distinct processes. According to Susan Peterson in The Living Tradition of Maria Martinez, these steps include "finding and collecting the clay, forming a pot, scraping and sanding the pot to remove surface irregularities, applying the iron-bearing slip and burnishing it to a high sheen with a smooth stone, decorating the pot with another slip, and firing the pot."

The clay is usually gathered only once a year in October. Conditions are favorable around this time, with the climate being dry. The clay is then stored in a place where temperatures remain constant. When the artist is ready to make a pot, she mixes it with sand until the correct consistency is achieved. She will then form the base of the pot on the puki (supporting mold for base) and form coils of clay to the base, pinching and squeezing the coils together. This will prevent air pockets from forming, which could cause the pot to break when firing. The walls are scraped with a utensil to smooth out any irregularities and to make them all the same thickness. This will prevent weaknesses.

After forming the pot, the artist allows it to dry. She will then scrape, sand and polish the pot to achieve the desired sheen and quality. This portion is the most time consuming of the whole process, as the shine on a pot is one of the traits that collectors look for in a piece of high quality pottery. The pot is burnished then decorated with specific designs and symbols that the artist holds dear to them. The final step is to fire the pot. This is done in an open pit outside. Unfired pottery is placed in the pit and covered with various materials, such as cow or sheep dung, newspaper, wood and steel. Different artists utilize varying techniques and materials to produce pottery that suits their style. The pieces are then fired, with temperatures reaching around 1400 degrees farenheit. When firing is completed, you have a beautiful hand coiled pot!

Although small variations have been tried over the years, the basic steps in Native American pottery making have remained fairly constant over the course of history. It is a tried and true process, one that we at Indian River Gallery would like to see continued by generations to come. The way to ensure our descendants have the privilege of experiencing these beautiful works of art is to support Native art by purchasing it! Here is a link to the pottery we carry here at the gallery! You can order online or call us if you have any questions!

Katsinam: The Spirits Return

2011-10-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

In December when clouds fill the skies, the Hopi people greet the return of the Katsinam. After a six-month absence, a lone figure makes his way slowly and unsteadily into Oraibi (on the Third Mesa). Following an ancient path, this first Kachina of the Hopi year enters – singing a song too quiet to be heard by those around him while dancing like a feeble old man. After visiting a kiva (where he places prayer feathers and sprinkles cornmeal), he makes his way through the plaza and leaves the village. Thus begins the new Kachina season.

The Katsinam are mystical beings and are a part of the Hopi Kachina religion. They bring the life-giving rain and sunlight and teach the Hopis about humility, cooperation, respect and proper stewardship of the earth. In return the Hopi people provide the Katsinam with the things that they desire – prayers and offerings.

In addition to providing aid to the Hopis, the Katsinam also entertain and educate. Hopi men take on the appearance of the Katsinam for ceremonial dances from December through July. At these ceremonies they would hand out gifts to young boys and girls. Although only men are allowed to portray the Kachinas, all tribal members play vital roles in ceremonies playing various supportive roles.

The Katsinam come in many forms and are primarily benevolent entities, although some are demons that help teach Hopi children about the consequences of bad behavior. Images of the Katsinam have appeared in Pueblo pottery and kiva murals as far back as the 1300s. Now they are primarily depicted in the form of Katsina (or Kachina) carvings.

After the Summer solstice the Katsinam return to the spirit world, celebrated by the Niman ceremony - a sixteen-day ritual where the Kachina dancers are given prayer feathers, fed and offered blessings in the form of sprinkled corn meal, medicine water and puffs of tobacco. After singing the final song of the season, the Kachinas are beseeched upon to intercede with their relatives in the spirit world to bring rain for the Hopi crops. They then depart until the following November.

Hopi Katsina carvings are crafted from the root of the cottonwood tree and are as varied and colorful as the Katsinam themselves. We have a spectacular collection of Katsina carvings by many award-winning artists; including Aaron Fredericks, Arthur Holmes Jr. and Stetson Honyumptewa (who was named Artist of the Year at the 2010 Santa Fe Indian Market). Visit our web site to discover our remarkable collection.

- Mark Miller

Sources:

Kachinas, A Hopi Artist’s Documentary

By Barton Wright and Cliff Bahnimptewa

Rainmakers from the Gods, Hopi Katsinam (An Online Exhibition)

Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology, Cambridge, MA

Hopi Katsina Dolls, 100 Years of Carving

Heard Museum, Phoenix, AZ

A Rebirth of Hopi Art

2011-09-20T13:07:00.000-07:00

In the summer of 1895 an American archeologist named J. Wallace Fewkes began excavating the remains of the pueblo of Sikyatki in Northeast Arizona. According to Hopi legend the village was destroyed during a dispute over land and water rights between its residents and the pueblo of Walpi, a few miles away. Fewkes came to the conclusion that this had happened in 14th century, at a time when the Hopis were producing some of the best pottery in North America. The forms were simple, functional and beautifully proportioned. The designs on these vessels were painted in brown, red and black onto a light, yellow-brown clay. These designs were rich in symbolism as they are today. Among the assistants at the dig was a Tewa Indian named Lesou whose wife, Nampeyo, was part Hopi.

As a child Nampeyo learned to make pottery from her Mother “White Corn” from the pueblo of Hano on the northeastern end of the First Mesa. By then Nampeyo was an accomplished potter in the Hopi style of the day. When her Husband began to bring home pottery shards from the dig she realized that her bowls and pitchers were inferior to the work of her remote ancestors. Going to the Sityatki ruins she began to study the designs, making drawings and searching out where the clay had originated from. Nampeyo started to duplicate the designs and shapes with great quality. Soon after, she allowed her own imagination to take over. “I used to go to the ancient village and copy the designs” she once said. “But now I just close my eyes and see designs and I paint them.” Nampeyo began to travel to the Grand Canyon and faraway places like Chicago in 1898 for an exposition as her work became more and more in demand. During this time other potters from the Hopi Mesas began to work in the revitalized ancient Hopi style. Thereafter for some 15 years, she worked at major fairs and expositions. By 1915, however, her sight began to fail, five years later was nearly blind. Though she could no longer paint she would still shape the vessels and her daughters decorated them.

Nampeyo passed away on July 20th, 1942. Her legacy lives on in the Hopi pottery you see today and displayed in museums and exhibits around the world.

- Richard Witt

Ref.: "Art of Clay" by Lee M. Cohen, "America's Fascinating Indian Heritage" by Reader's Digest

The Inspired Landscapes of Troy Dunham

2011-09-17T13:52:00.000-07:00

Troy Dunham’s artwork reflects his fascination with the people and landscapes of the Western United States. His meticulous paintings show an insight to both contemporary and historical lifestyles. “I find that people living in the west have strong ties to the land, like our ancestors did. It’s this relationship between people and nature that I wish to portray.”

Drawing and painting from an early age, Troy always knew he would be an artist. He studied at the College of Marin and earned his Degree in Art from San Francisco State University in 1977. Dunham has been exhibiting his artwork at one man shows and galleries since 1976. He travels extensively researching subject matter for his artwork, and has become a seasoned outdoor adventurer and historian.

Dunham’s work has been featured in national exhibitions of Western Art and Contemporary Realism, including shows at Mongerson Wunderlich Gallery, Chicago, Leslie Levy Gallery, Scottsdale and exhibits in New York and Pennsylvania. He has received commissions from the Pentagon, Harvard University and major corporations. Troy’s work has hung in the office of the Governor of California. His watercolor paintings, oils and pencil drawings have won awards and appeared on magazine covers nationwide.

In 1992, Dunham wrote and illustrated a book titled Pine Needle National Park Visitor Guide, a unique humor book about vacationing in the great outdoors. The book, in 1993, won an Interdisciplinary Media grant from the Marin Arts Council.

An active volunteer historian and park interpreter, Troy has been honored by numerous State and National Historic Parks on the West coast. The Living History programs that Dunham has coordinated have delighted thousands of park visitors over the years. The artist has portrayed historical characters in film productions, on PBS and on The Discovery Channel.

Dunham worked in 1995 with Academy Studios, an internationally known museum exhibit design and fabrication company. Troy acted as Supervising Historian and Muralist for permanent exhibits going into the Washington State Historical Society Museum in Tacoma.

Troy finds inspiration living in one of the most thriving art communities in the world, Marin County in Northern California. “Not only is Marin a beautiful place to live and work, it is home to a remarkable number of artists, writers, musicians, film makers and scholars. This is a wonderful setting for artists to seek their own vision and pursue sharing it with others.”

To view the selection of Troy Dunham's work available at Indian River Gallery, please click here.

It's Time for Fall Colors!

2011-08-30T14:12:00.000-07:00

Save 10% on all of our authentic Navajo weavings during the month of September!

In Navajo (Diné) culture, it was Spider Woman who taught the Navajos the art of weaving. Before sitting down at their looms, weavers would rub their hands in spider webs. In this way they would hope to absorb the skills and wisdom of Spider Woman.

According to an excerpt from “A Guide to Navajo Weaving” by Kent McManis & Robert Jeffries:

"The Navajo believe that the gift of weaving was taught to them by Spider Woman, one of the Navajo Holy People. Spider Woman originally showed Changing Woman (another holy person) how to weave, with the stipulation that she would in turn teach the Navajo. Spider Man showed them how to make the loom and tools out of sacred Navajo stones and shells (turquoise, jet, white shell, and abalone), as well as with the earth, sun, rain, sky themselves. This important connection to the earth and elements is characteristic of the Navajo respect and reverence for the natural world. It also demonstrates the significance of weaving within the Navajo religion."

The traditional art of weaving has been passed down from mother to daughter since the 18^th century. Early blankets had limited colors, which included some vegetal dyes (created from the local plants). Over time they were made with a few colors brought in by the Spaniards. Many of the weavings available today have a breathtaking array of colors drawn from the natural beauty of the Southwest, including many vegetal dye combinations and dyes brought in by various traders.

In the traditional Navajo family, along with tending to the family, the woman’s main role was that of the weaver. As a blanket was finished, it would be brought to the local trading post. There it would be traded for food staples, supplies and money. This was an important means by which Navajo families supported themselves.

According to a fascinating web site hosted by Northern Arizona University (http://library.nau.edu/speccoll/exhibits/traders/oralhistories/oralhist.html), which has gathered oral histories of people involved in trading posts of the Southwest, Navajo rugs were a vital source of income. Here’s an excerpt from an interview with Colina Yazzie talking about her mother selling rugs:

“A lot of times when she went in to sell her rug, she would show it to them, she would lay the rug out, the trader would look at it, and they would always.... the trader knew that she would need food, groceries, whatever, so what he offered was, "I'll give you a certain amount in cash, and then the rest, maybe you can go in and buy what you need." And that's the way the trading took place back then. But now, she still does the same. She goes into the trading post at Hubbell's and Bill will let her buy food, and he'll still give her cash whenever she goes to sell her rugs.”

Over time, Navajo weavers gained a reputation for the superior quality of their weavings, eventually leading many collectors to prize their work. We have a remarkable collection of weavings available here at Indian River Gallery. They range from Two Grey Hills to Ganado to Germantown blankets, with some dating back to the 1800s. Feel free to discover the beauty of these remarkable masterpieces that we have the pleasure of sharing with you at our web site, www.indianrivergallery.com.

Wes Willie

2011-08-03T15:32:00.000-07:00

Shake hands with Wes Willie and the minute you touch his rough strong hand, you know he is hard working. The firmness of his grip lets you know he is honest and proud.

A twist of fate has brought us this wonderful artist. He grew up in the Navajo Nation as the son of rancher. Wes initially worked as a contract welder and pipe-liner. It was during that time that he developed some of the skills that have made it possible for him to become a a master jewelry-maker. For years Wes was hired for weeks at a time, earning top dollars for welding oil piplines, but fluctuating oil prices eventually led him to leave the unpredictable industry and we are all so glad he did. He decided to go home and reinvent himself and follow his dream of designing jewelry.

Wes learned how to make traditional Navajo style jewelry using silver sand-cast design and basic turquoise, but he knew that to make a statement he had to be different from the rest. He decided to give traditional Navajo jewelry designs a contemporary twist. He received exclusive instruction in inlay work by world class jeweler Jesse Monongya. What we know as Willie's architectural jewelry was created. He had always been amazed by skyscrapers and began to design pieces with different dimensions; his bracelets became high-rises. Everything he sees is a potential new design, whether it is a painting, buildings, scenery or even a simple piece of furniture.

Wes works from sunup to mid-day, often listening to the radio. He says he works best when it's quiet. Silent times allow him to think about different designs and keep working. Like all of us, sometimes he makes a mistake, but he says that isn't a bad thing; from that another design comes and sometimes it's even better than what he had originally imagined.

Willie was taught that with turquoise, good things come. With just one little turquoise stone, good thoughts are observed and prayers are answered. The person is recognized by the Holy people, and he remembers these teachings. That is why he puts a piece of turquoise in most of his work, because it represents so much to the Navajos. Turquoise is a stone to be respected and a powerful symbol of good. He remembers all of the stories of his people and believes they help his work make more sense; because he understands. He believes everything in the universe has a spirit. Using this philosophy he puts images and symbols inside his pieces, giving them their own spirit and strength. He says this gives the whole piece respect.

Willie has been showcased as one of the premiere master jewelers by Southwest Art Magazine. He has taken home first, second and third place ribbons in two different categories at the Santa Fe Indian Market. Wes has been compared to the late, legendary jeweler Charles Loloma. His pieces are sought all over the world by collectors from as far away as Germany and Japan. He gives back to the community by serving as a mentor to willing apprentices and by being an active member of the Southwest Foundation.

The beautiful things Wes creates are an endless surprise. Each pice he creates is unique and different, from traditional to contemporary. He says the possibilities for his works are endless and so far he's a man of his word. Through it all We Willie remains humble and is forever looking forward to creating new masterpieces. Indian River Gallery is honored to have pieces by such an extraordinary artist.

- Debi Cantrell

Red Hot Summer Celebration!

2011-08-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

All during the month of August enjoy our “Red Hot Summer” featuring 10% off all of our sterling silver with coral jewelry!

Natives of New Mexico and Arizona perceive the coral as an ornament of the highest value and esteem. It was believed that if worn it brought great luck, long life, and virility. It was also thought to be endowed with great power, enough to heal blindness or even snakebite! The existence of coral for adornment and its great demand in our world dates back over ten thousand years. Fragments of coral used as ornaments, amulets or icons have been found in neolithic graves in Europe, and among the personal possessions of those of the Minoan-Mycenean, Babylonian and Egyptian civilization. There are also coral cameos from the Roman Imperial Era and small sculptures with the reproduction of a siren and various animals from the Iron Age. Therefore, it is known that the Southwest Native Americans weren't the only ones who sought the beauty and magic of coral. Ivan the Terrible, the Russian Tsar; Greek, Hebrew and Muslim doctors; German, English and French seers were all using this magical gem.

For centuries science debated the classification that the coral fell under; either vegetable or mineral. Come to find out, with help from the Frenchman Peyssonel, this special gem comes from the calcareous skeletal remains of thousands of minute sea animals. Most coral are fished out from the sea bed, which makes this gem as expensive as gold. Firm like a rock, the tree-fan forms in many different colors in a range of blood-red, to orange, to pink or even white. Color also determines the price of coral, and pale pink is known as Angel Skin Coral is considered the most valuable. Ox-blood red, known as Moorish, and cherry red, known as Satsuma, are next highest in demand. Fine, jewelry-quality coral has often been referred to in the trade as "Red Gold."

Duane Dishta - Steeped In Ceremony

2011-07-24T16:39:00.000-07:00

Duane Dishta was born in Zuni, New Mexico on November 21, 1946, to Frank Dishta and Elizabeth Malani. His father was already a very famous silversmith, and his mother was half Hopi, making Duane ¾ Zuni and ¼ Hopi.

Duane learned silversmithing at an early age, but his fascination leaned more toward painting, with ceremonies and spiritual figures being a huge influence on his artwork. He learned his art technique on his own, with no formal training. Duane also contributed drawings for Barton Wright’s book ‘Kachinas of the Zuni’.

Duane was an extremely talented artist. In addition to his finely detailed paintings and silversmithing, he was also one of the most distinctive and talented Katsina doll carvers from Zuni, NM (which is twenty miles South of Gallup). Apart from a brief time as a firefighter in the sixties, Duane had made his living solely as an artist. Although his work has a very broad spectrum, his legacy is likely to be his paintings.

During his lifetime Duane won many awards at shows such as the Gallup Inter-tribal Ceremonial, Heard Museum show and others of such caliber. Sadly Duane passed away on February 26th 2011. He will be deeply missed by family, friends and collectors.

- Amber Jones

Bolo Ties - From Tall Hats to Tall Tales

2011-07-23T17:00:00.000-07:00

Bolos have inspired me for years; they were a favorite of both my father and grandfather and bring back wonderful memories of holidays, parties and special events when I was young.

The word bolo tie is thought to have come from the word boleadoras or bolas. Bolas are hunting weapons that have been made and used by South Americans. They are constructed of rope or cord with a ball attached to each end. It’s easy to see why they would compare the silver tips of the bolo tie.

The most commonly told story on the origin of the bolo tie is that of Victor Cedarstaff. Victor lived in Wickenburg, Arizona in the 1940’s and like many people of the time would ride his horse for both business and fun. On one particular day, Victor decided to wear one of his dressier hats, decked out with a particularly nice sterling silver hatband. While Victor and his friends were riding through the countryside, the wind picked up and blew Victor’s hat off his head and it almost made it to Utah! After that he decided to remove the hatband and wear it around his neck; better to loose the hat, than the hat and hatband. Victor’s friends made jokes about his choice of neckties, but he decided he actually liked it. Shortly after that, Victor fashioned the very first bolo tie. Victor began to craft and sell bolo ties and though the story of him creating the bolo tie may not be an historical fact, it is truly entertaining.

One contradiction to this information can be found at the Zuni Trading Post, on the Zuni Pueblo in New Mexico. They have a bolo tie, which is described as having been crafted in the late 1800’s; several decades before Victor was even born.

No matter what the story, the bolo tie has become a part of out culture and has taken on numerous styles - fancy sterling silver as well as other metals and all kinds of stones, and of course, my favorite, turquoise.
There is definitely a connection between bolo ties and turquoise jewelry. As bolo ties became popular in the 1950’s and 1960’s, jewelry artists in the southwest began to create bolo ties using the jewelry styles they already practiced; including squash clusters, Zuni sunfaces and animals. Today, bolo ties are created in every style imaginable. The tips and metal work can be as simple or as complicated as the artist’s talent and imagination allow.

Check out the beautiful collection of bolo ties that we carry here at Indian River Gallery!

- Debi Cantrell

Liz Wallace

2011-07-09T11:40:00.000-07:00

Here at Indian River Gallery we are so excited to have beautiful works of art by Liz Wallace. Liz is a phenomenal young jeweler, who is constantly experimenting with new forms and techniques. She creates the expected traditional jewelry, but also the totally unexpected.

Liz was born in Sacramento, California in 1975, the daughter of accomplished jewelers Alan Wallace (Washo/Maidu), and Kathryn Morsea (Navajo). She grew up watching them make jewelry, but did not start to make jewelry herself until she was twenty. It was her grandmother, Nina Wallace, who lived next door, who encouraged her to work with her hands, to read, and to be open to new experiences.

Liz moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico in her early 20’s and there began her new career. She took a metal smith class at the Community College, thinking she was going to make toolboxes and things like that; the class turned out to be jewelry making. Although she had never planned to make jewelry, fate had taken her down that road. Since then she has continued to learn new things all the time including blacksmithing, plique a jour, enameling, raising, chasing, and repousse.

Her hobbies include belly-dancing, aikido and she is also studying acting and directing. Liz is such a fun and interesting person, who makes the most wonderful and unique jewelry. She draws from life’s experiences and the things she loves and all that shows in every piece she creates, from beautiful dragonflies to sea urchins and one of her newest creations: Haiku jewelry on which she stamps her own haiku of what she is feeling at that time.

Featured in books and magazines about art, Liz is a multiple award winner with such honors as S.W.A.I.A. (Southwestern Association for Indian Arts) Fellowship Award 2009 and repeated Best of Show awards. With Liz Wallace the sky is the limit, she is full of creativity and passion for her work. Stop in our Gallery and take a look. You won’t be disappointed!

Out of the Shadows, Wisdom and Beauty

2011-07-07T21:28:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in an earlier blog post, Alvin John came into the gallery to drop of some beautiful new paintings. While he was here he shared some details about his creative process. He mentioned the stories of his elders and their effect on him, but he also brought up his struggles with trying to depict images of beings that, up until recently, have been not only sacred but were hidden from the outside world. These are the yeis that inhabit his paintings and the ceremonies that are essential to the Diné way of life.

The Yei (sometimes referred to as Yeii, Yei Bi Chei, Yei Bei Chai, Yei Be Chai or Ye Bi Chai) is a holy figure in the Navajo culture. The Yeis oversee the elements of nature, such as day, night, rain, wind, and sun. They are supernatural spirits that reside in a world beneath the earth’s surface and intercede between humans and the Creator. They are considered healing spirits, and are used in Navajo ceremonies to help restore a person’s balance or harmony. The Navajo refer to this balance or harmony as a person’s hozho.

It is this sense of balance and harmony with nature that so many find inspiring, and lies at the core of many people’s fascination with Native American culture. Yet when artists of Alvin’s generation first tried to depict these spirits they met resistance from tribal elders, who felt that their spiritual ceremonies would lose their power if shared with outsiders. The artists felt that it was worthwhile to share these spiritual figures with the world outside of their hogans. Despite their initial concerns, the elders allowed the depictions to be made. I think you can agree that we are all better off for the knowledge of these amazing entities.

Stories such as that of Changing Woman and her two sons, Monster Slayer and Child of the Water reveal the intricate connections between the elements and the people of the earth’s surface. It was for Changing Woman that the other Yeis conducted the first Kinaalda, or "Walking into Beauty" ceremony (a girl’s coming of age ritual), a beautiful four-day ritual that is part of the Navajo Blessingway ceremony. It is Changing Woman who eventually creates the Human Peoples, the Diné.

Again, we thank Alvin for taking the time to stop and visit with us. We look forward to seeing any and all of our many talented artists in the gallery when they are in Las Vegas. We appreciate the beauty and rich cultural heritage of their creations. You can view some of Alvin's stunning creations by clicking here.

Claudia Peina, Fetish Carver

2011-07-06T18:02:00.000-07:00

Claudia Peina was born in 1968. She is a third-generation carver, the grand daughter of George Chee Chee. Her first attempts to carve, as a young child, were to make birds similar to those her grand father was so well-known for. Her first teacher was her Aunt, Rosalie Quam who taught her to make frog fetishes. She also inherited skill and innovation from her uncles, Miguel and Ramie Haloo and her brother, Colvin Peina. Claudia lives in Zuni with her young daughter Gwen and Kal.

Claudia, in turn, taught her younger brothers, Gabe Sice and Troy Sice, many of the techniques she had been practicing.

Over the past several years, Claudia has created new and exciting designs both in traditional fetish carving and more recently in jewelry design that incorporates fetish carving concepts.

Claudia has mastered the art of carving antler, especially elk antler although she has used moose, deer and reindeer as well. Her addition of stone inlay into the antler and buffing techniques create breathtaking designs and beautifully finished products.

Some of her signatures designs include Grinding Woman, Olla Maidens, Bow Priests, Woman with Children, and Praying Woman. She is also accomplished in stone carving and has created spectacular pieces using turquoise, jet, angelite, amber and mother of pearl. Claudia carves bears - standing, walking and even prancing ones, as well as rabbits, frogs, turtles, badgers.

Claudia has recently begun to create ‘fetish’ silver jewelry. Her seminal creations of corn maiden pendants and headdress pendants show her creativity in incorporating fetish motifs with silver. These designs have been executed by Claudia and her partner, Kal Kallestewa.

Over the past few years, Claudia has participated in the Santa Fe Indian Market, the Zuni Expo, the Santo Domingo Fair and the Museum of Northern Arizona Shows.

The Importance of “American Made”

2011-07-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

We here at Indian River Gallery pride ourselves on carrying nothing but American Made items. From the beautiful, handmade jewelry, pottery, Navajo weavings and Zuni carvings to the majestic bronzes of Michael Curtis and Elie Hazak, all of our pieces were crafted right here in the U.S.A. There is a special sense of place that permeates the gallery and impresses every person that walks through our doors.

According to the American Made Alliance (www.FindAmericanMade.com), if all of us spent an additional $65.00 this year on American Made as opposed to imported goods we could create about 100,000 new jobs. In this ever-challenging economy we find ourselves in, the buying decisions we make and their impact on the fiscal security of our country are becoming more apparent. When we can walk into any store, large or small, and find goods produced a half a globe away that are competitively priced, we need to focus on something besides price: authenticity.

Ask anyone who’s visited the Southwest recently and you’ll hear tales of purchases made at a stand along the road where the prices were too good to be true. Unfortunately, the stories often end with the discovery that these so-called “Native American” items were made in China. We have heard these stories at the gallery and urge our clients to be cautious when they make their purchases. Reputable galleries are often confronted with price-conscious consumers who are looking for the best deals, but we need to remain steadfast and remind folks that they are getting pieces that are authentic and are also among some of the finest examples of Native American art and jewelry available.

In celebration of all things American, Indian River Gallery will donate 5% of all online purchases made in the month of July to charities such as the Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org) that honor our returning veterans.

On behalf of everyone here at Indian River Gallery, we wish you a safe and happy Fourth of July weekend.

Cup of Commitment - The Native American Wedding Vase

2011-06-30T20:00:00.000-07:00

Traditionally, Wedding Vases are used by Native Americans of the Southwest, however they are becoming increasingly popular with couples drawn to the Native American spirituality, their reverence for nature, the earth and the enviornment.

The Wedding Vase is designed with two spouts symbolizing the couples' individuality. The meaning of the vase is similar to that of a unity candle or cup. During the ceremony both the bride and groom drink from the vessel as a symbol of two individuals whose lives are becoming one. The vase is filled with water, herb tea or wine. The bride drinks first then hands the vase to the groom, symbolizing the sharing of one life, one love.

Sample Ceremony:

"As you share this one wine from two spouts, so may each of you share contentment, comfort and happiness from the common cup of marriage. May you find life's joys great, it's bitterness sweetened and all things enriched by your companionship and love."

Native American families consider the vase a sacred treasure to display in their home and pass from one generation to the next.

Here at Indian River Gallery we have many beautiful Wedding Vases by artists such as, Elizabeth Naranjo, Mary Singer, Barbara Martinez, Joy Navasie and more.

Barbara and Joseph Cerno - Partners in Tradition

2011-06-21T11:28:00.000-07:00

Joseph Cerno was born into the Acoma pueblo in 1947. Barbara was born on the Hopi Reservation in 1951.

Husband and Wife, together as a team, have earned a reputation as two of the top pottery artists working today. Over the past few decades Barbara and Joseph have won many ribbons and prizes for their excellent work. They have been especially well known for their large ollas with the traditional Acoma brilliant parrots and painted patterns.

On occasion Barbara and Joseph will produce a piece created individually, but for the most part they work together.

After paying close attention to details, using traditional methods and materials as taught to him by his mother, Joseph will dig the clay and age it for a minimum of six months. All of the materials used to make their pottery come from Mother Earth. They clean, mix, coil, shape, sand, paint, and fire the pottery outdoors, just like their ancestors before them. He will form the pots, then they are left to dry naturally for several months before they are fired in a hand dug pit. Before firing, Barbara will paint the pottery using natural mineral and vegetal clay slips for her colors. The Cerno’s often refer back to reference materials and books of historical pottery for inspiration for their designs.

Joseph learned from his mother, Santana Cimmeron Cerno, who was an extremely important artist during the 1920’s, winning many awards at Santa Fe Indian Market. His Grandmother and Mother exposed Joseph to art at a very young age. They were both recognized as prolific and highly established artisans. He was taught their craftsmanship and the traditional ancient designs.

Barbara and Joseph’s work is impeccable. Their work excels with every piece made, which is why the work from this award winning team is highly sought after by museums and collectors alike. Their awards are too numerous to list.

They have also introduced their children to the art of making pottery, the traditional way. They are extremely proud of their children and the numerous awards that they themselves have won. They are establishing themselves as quality artists just like their parents.

Barbara and Joseph sign each of their pieces as:

ACOMA, NM, BARBARA & JOSEPH CERNO, followed by the year it was made.

Publications:

-Southern Pueblo Pottery 2,000 Artist Biographies

-American Indian Pottery 2nd ED.

-Beyond Tradition

-Southwest Pottery Anasazi to Zuni

Ancestral Voices in an Age of Data Overload

2011-06-18T17:15:00.000-07:00

Alvin John came in the other day to drop off some new artwork while he was visiting Las Vegas. He took time to share some background on one of his pieces, entitled “Hasteen”. It’s a beautiful bronze bust of a Navajo elder or medicine man, circa 1900. He said that he wanted to depict that generation of wise men who would share their stories when they thought they were with someone who truly cared to hear them.

Alvin went on to share what goes through his mind when he creates one of his many stunning paintings or bronze sculptures. He said that he relies on the memories of the stories and songs his elders shared with him as a boy; particularly those told by his mother and grandmother. Many times it wouldn’t be a specific story, just an idea that grows from his subconscious memories.

As I pondered his words that night, I thought about how people today are constantly bombarded by information. Between the media barrage and the flood of online data that we have to wade through each day, not much time is left for quiet contemplation. I truly believe that it is in those silent spaces that we are most open to the voices of those who have gone before us.

Since the first Gutenberg bible was printed in the 1450s, the distribution of information has grown exponentially. In the digital age, Moore’s Law (which says that the amount of transistors on a computer chip will double approximately every two years) suggests that our computers and networks will continue to store and deliver ever more data as time goes by. In this glut of data it is often difficult, if sometimes impossible, to sift out the truly important messages that we want to receive.

And what of the wisdom of those that have gone before us? We have archives full of the great writings of individuals from throughout history, but often the voices of our elders get drowned out in the din. The wise grandmother or aunt who shared their tales with us when we were children; the stoic grandfather who taught us by example of what it meant to live honorably; these are the voices that have made us who we are.

We now have Facebook, email, Twitter and numerous other ways to keep in touch with those we care for – but for those who touched our lives and have left this world, only ephemeral memories remain. Alvin’s words really moved me to make an effort to create more room in my life for those quiet moments. To open myself to the voices of my own ancestors, whose wisdom still touches and guides my actions to this day.

Here’s hoping that we all take time to listen to those who have gone before us.

The Bewitching Opal

2011-06-02T18:50:00.000-07:00

The bewitching Opal has been enchanting people for centuries and has been around at least as long ago as the fourteenth century. The Opal’s mineral makeup is a form of silica related to quartz, it has a hardness of 5.5 to 6.5 and 3% to 21% of the total weight is water. Sometimes the water in an opal can evaporate creating cracks in the stone. The internal structure of the opal allows it to diffract light, which gives it its iridescence.

Australia is the world’s largest producer of Opals, with 97% of it found there with other significant deposits being found in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Turkey, Indonesia, Brazil, Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Ethiopia, Mexico and the Western United States. It has also been revealed by NASA in 2008 that they have discovered opal deposits on Mars.

There are several different varieties of opal, the common opal, the white precious opal, the black precious opal, the fire opal, the black precious opal, and the Owyhee Blue Opal.

The Common Opal may be of several different colors, but is most often opaque and does not normally exhibit any of the “fire” that the precious opal supplies. The White common opal can provide purification of one’s energy field. The Blue common opal will help one sleep more peacefully and assist with the recollection of dreams if you slip one into your pillowcase before falling asleep.

The White Precious Opal is the most common and widely used in jewelry and is said to infuse the aura with the frequency of joy.

The Black Precious Opal is a stone of magic and mystery, a very powerful stone which can assist one in manifesting their intentions, but be careful what you wish for, as you just may get it.

The Fire Opal is named after its vivid orange color, it is said to be an awaken-er of passion, it can also help one to become more optimistic, confident and socially outgoing.

The Oregon Opal assists one in taking action to pursue one’s joy and gently stimulates you to trust your own instincts and guidance, breaking free from the restraints and restrictions we sometimes place on ourselves.

The Owyhee Blue Opal (pronounced Oh-WAH-hee) is the answer to indecisiveness, fear, shyness and powerlessness and helps one to remain focused on a particular task.

The Opal in any of its forms, colors or sizes is a beauty to behold and here at Indian River Gallery we have many beautiful creations that contain this stunning gemstone, you can visit us in person at the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood or drop by our website at www.indianrivergallery.com

An Australian legend states that “A gigantic opal governs the stars, human love and the gold within the mines”; experience for yourself the magical beauty the opal provides to every piece of jewelry it adorns.

Storytellers & Singing Mothers

2011-06-02T18:15:00.000-07:00

"The inventor of the Storyteller form is Helen Cordero of the Cochiti Pueblo, New Mexico, though the tradition of figurative pottery predates Helen by many centuries. In their excellent book, "The Pueblo Storyteller', Barbara Babcock, and Guy and Doris Monthan date figurative pottery in the Southwest to perhaps as early 300 B.C. and certainly as early as 400 A.D. among the Anasazi, the predecessors of today's Pueblo Indians.

Helen Cordero was born in 1915. In the 1950s she was making "Singing Mother" figures. These were sitting female figures holding one or two children on their laps. They were quite popular and were made by many Cochiti potters. In 1964, Helen Cordero made the innovation, which would prove to be a milestone in figurative pottery. Instead of the traditional female figure, she modeled one after her grandfather, Santiago Quintana. The grandfather storyteller, his mouth open and five children clinging to him, was an endearing figure and the public sought more. We have learned that Helen Cordero believes that the true storyteller is a male figure, and that female figures are properly called "Singing Mothers." As their creator she certainly is an authority on the subject of storytellers, but the form she began has taken on a life of its own. More and more people are making storytellers, at Cochiti, the surrounding pueblos, and even from other peoples like the Navajo, Blackfoot, and Hispanics. The term "storyteller" has become generic and is used to describe not only male figures, but females, clowns, mudheads, frogs, owls, turtles, coyotes ...nearly any figure that has an adult figure surrounded by or covered with children.”

From "Storytellers and Other Figurative Pottery" by Douglas Congdon-Martin. Published by Schiffer Publishing, Atglen, Pennsylvania.

Gibson and Al Nez – Two of a Kind

2011-05-31T18:15:00.000-07:00

A top jeweler, Gibson Nez (Jicarilla Apache/Navajo) was a man of many talents. He worked as an equipment operator, stunt man and a bronco rider. He is even in the Cowboy Hall of Fame.

As a traditional Navajo jeweler, the style that he is well known for is called “stampwork”, which he mastered. His designs are precise and clean, making his work unique. Filled with parallel lines, often a hair’s breadth apart and surrounding beautiful gems or stones in the center, his work would instantly capture the viewer’s eye.

He worked with materials such as silver, turquoise, coral, ivory, ironwood and lapis lazuli. All of his pieces were hand made, with his special added touch to make it truly unique.

Sadly he passed away in 2007, but you can still find some of his magnificent pieces here at Indian River Gallery in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Al Nez won more than 35 ribbons at the Gallop Inter-tribal Ceremonial in 1971 at the age of 22. He is a member of the Many Goats clan. His art draws inspiration from his Navajo traditions. At a young age Al learned silversmithing from his grandfather.

Throughout his life he grew toward using 14 kt gold combined with sterling silver while using a variety of gemstones like turquoise, coral, lapis and sugilite to set in his pieces. His jewelry making style is considered very contemporary. In 1984 Al won the “Best Miniatures” category at the Santa Fe Indian Market in New Mexico. His jewelry is also featured at the U.S. Department of Interior, where his work is part of the permanent collection of the Indian Arts and Crafts Board.

His work also appears in several books on Native American Jewelry. His jewelry was also in an exhibition at the Museum of Arts and Culture in New Mexico called “Jewels of the Southwest” in 2002.

The History of the Concho Belt

2011-05-27T20:00:00.000-07:00

The word concho is from the Spanish “concha” which means ‘conch’ or ‘seashell’. Over time this has been translated to mean round, oval, and sometimes rectangle discs of silver. The conchos were originally used to decorate saddles and bridles by the Mexican Indians and oval shaped hair ornaments worn by Plaains Indians.

The Navajo Indians started to use conchos in jewelry making, using them in bolo ties, pendants, belts and hat bands. The concho became a traditional characteristic of Navajo adornment. The Navajo adopted and developed the concho into not only an extremely elegant piece of jewelry, but also what has become a true symbol of the Navajo nation.

The earliest conchos were made up of heavy gauge silver. Mexican and American silver dollars were used to make the conchos. The early conchos were very simple in design and were all made by ‘hand die stamping’ the silver dollars. They were hammered, stamped, and had a decorative edge cut into them. The conchos had a ‘slotted’ center so that they could be threaded onto a piece of leather to create the “Concho Belt”. Eventually they added copper loops to the back of the conchos so that they could be slipped onto the leather.

During the 1890’s the open center was disregarded and an oval or diamond shaped pattern replaced it. The large center rosette was used to form the ‘buckle’, early belt buckles were small as they were replicated from harness buckles.

There are different types of concho belts; some have a row of oval or round conchos, while others may have a spacer in between each concho in the shape of a butterfly. The butterfly shaped concho was introduced between 1900 and 1920 along with repousse work and the addition of Turquoise stones to the conchos. Concho belts are also made with links in between each concho instead of the leather.

The Concho belt has become highly popular throughout the world. It is a statement of fashion and is worn by people with a huge diversity, including Jim Morrison, Elvis Presley, Jessica Simpson, Carlos Santana and many more. The concho belt is as popular as ever and has a timeless quality that will remain for years to come.

Beauty Amidst Controversy – Native American Art

2011-05-21T17:10:00.000-07:00

The story of Native Americans on the North American continent has been one filled with battles, struggles, triumphs, betrayals, bonds made and bonds broken; but it has also been filled with love, creativity, wisdom and beauty. We here at Indian River Gallery are often confronted with the dichotomy of a rich cultural heritage that also represents a group of people who have struggled with enormous obstacles in their history.

The most important thing we offer in our approach to running the gallery is respect. We have great respect for the stories that exist within every piece we sell. These rich narratives inform us about the incredible skills needed to create these masterpieces. From the intricate beadwork that dates back to the 1800s to the pottery that reflects traditions that have been handed down over several generations, we appreciate the time and effort that it takes to bring these pieces to life.

Our respect is evident in the way we present these remarkable objects. We try to enlighten the thousands of Las Vegas visitors who pass through the gallery with our knowledge of Native American art in general and each piece in particular. When we have a customer who brings up the trials that Native peoples have undergone over the past couple of centuries, we inform them that many of our pieces were bought directly from the artists – who set their own prices. This ensures that they have earned a decent income from the purchases we have made, and we in turn are blessed the results of their creativity.

Nothing will ever change the struggles that Native Americans have endured over the years, but with respect for the totality of their experiences we can appreciate their remarkable contributions to our American heritage.

Carmelita Dunlap, An American Treasure

2011-05-19T15:47:00.000-07:00

Carmelita Dunlap was born in 1925 in the San Ildefonso Pueblo. She was the niece of Maria Martinez, and Desideria Montoya. Carmelita’s mother Juanita Vigil passed away when she was just a young child and was raised by her two aunts Maria and Desideria. While growing up she learned the traditional art of pottery making from her aunts. Maria, being the matriarch of the potters in the San Ildefonso Pueblo, was extremely influential on Carmelita, along with Desideria. They both taught Carmelita the art. Carmelita says she enjoyed watching both of them work, learning different techniques from each of them. It is said that Carmelita was the top protégé of Maria until her death in 2000.

Throughout her career as a top pottery artist she won more first ribbons at Indian Market than any other artist, and to this date is still unprecedented; in fact she won a total of 20 first place ribbons. During the Nixon administration she was designated a National Treasure.

Carmelita was well known for her large-scale pottery, excellent polish with a gunmetal finish and exquisite paintwork featuring crisp lines and rhythmic designs. Carmelita worked in Black-on-Black, Cream- on- Red, Polychrome and the famous ‘Sunrise Brown’ family specialty.

Carmelita and Carlos Dunlap had 6 children, all of whom were taught the traditional ways of pottery making. Children include Carlos Dunlap, Linda Dunlap, Jeannie Mountain Flower Dunlap, Cynthia Star Flower Dunlap Watts, Martha Apple Leaf and Gloria Maxey.

Carmelita was an excellent artist, but sadly she passed away in 2000. If one is lucky enough to have any piece of Carmelita’s creations, it would truly take their pottery collection to the next level.

Celebrating The Spirit of Motherhood in May!

2011-04-30T17:24:00.000-07:00

This May in celebration of the spirit of motherhood, we’re featuring our wonderful selection of giclees by Karen Noles. Featuring Native American children and women who live in the Flathead Indian reservation, these giclees on canvas are exquisite examples of Karen’s breathtaking talent.

For the entire month you can get 10% off all of Karen’s wonderful giclees! Click here to view all of the spectacular pieces we have available. All giclees are signed, numbered and limited edition pieces.

Born in 1947 and raised in the very small town of Merna, Nebraska, Karen’s talent for art was encouraged from a very early age. Upon graduation from the Omaha School of Commercial Art at the age of 19, the Hallmark Card Company promptly hired her as a greeting card illustrator where she continued to work in illustration for Hallmark and other companies for nearly 20 years before venturing into the fine art market. She has also created collector plate series for the Hamilton Group and the Bradford Exchange, and illustrations and designs for children’s products for Roth International.

Karen has lived, raised a family, and professionally painted near the Flathead Indian Reservation located in Northwest Montana for the last 35 years. Her renowned specialty is oil paintings of Native Americans, especially Indian children. Karen’s sensitive portrayal of pre- and early reservation Indians, using actual Native Americans modeling authentic period clothing and collectible artifacts, has generated a national following. Her meticulous, fine brush attention to the Indian’s exquisite and masterful use of bead and quillwork is stunning.

Karen is the honored recipient of six Peoples Choice Awards from several premier Western art exhibitions including the Coeur d` Alene Galleries "Miniatures by the Lake" 2009 show, C.M. Russell Museum and Auction, the Spirit of the Great Plains Invitational at the Museum of Nebraska Art, and the Stampede Western Invitational in Greeley, CO. She won the Best Oil/Acrylic Award at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum Show. She has also shown at the Eiteljorg Museum’s Quest for the West Show, and the Cheyenne Frontier Days Western Art Show.

Her work has been featured in numerous publications including the Art of the West, 1999 Jan/Feb issue, and the Appaloosa Journal, Cover and feature article, April 1998 issue.

From Disney to Grizzlies - Bill Toma

2011-04-24T08:08:00.000-07:00

Bill Toma has been an artist since he was a child, beginning as a sketch artist in his school years and moving on to oil painting and sculpting later on in life. He obtained a Master of Arts degree in English in 1961, and began teaching English at Long Beach City College. It was during this time that Bill began sculpting in metal. He became enthralled with this new media, and in 1973, Bill resigned from his teaching career to work in metal full time. Since then, Mr. Toma has become an internationally known and very successful sculptor.

The subjects that Bill sculpts are very diverse, from wildlife and Greek heroes to fantasy, nudes, harlequins and Disney characters. From 1980 to 2002, he worked exclusively with Walt Disney, creating limited edition Disney character sculptures. He doesn't like to be confined by any single genre, and his work definitely exemplifies that fact!

Indian River Gallery is fortunate to have one beautiful bronze sculpture by this talented artist. Entitled "Rocky Mountain Grizz," this is a stunning, realistic portrayal of a grizzly in the wild, set atop a marble base and cast entirely in bronze. You can view and purchase this 16" x 16" bronze piece, numbered 11/49, by following this link. We have many other great pieces that you can buy directly online, so don't forget to explore the rest of our website while you are there!

Magnificence in Miniature – The Tafoya Legacy (Part Two)

2011-04-22T15:35:00.000-07:00

Camilio and Agapita Tafoya had two children who continued to express their own identities in the clay pottery pieces they produced. Joseph Lonewolf (b.1932) and sibling Grace Medicine Flower (b.1938) are two powerful influences on Santa Clara pottery making traditions.

Joseph Lonewolf’s work comes from his dreams and visions of form and design that becomes artwork made of clay. Joseph is quoted as saying: “I believe the clay is a living thing because it comes from Mother Earth, a living thing. Without her, we would not have food nor plants nor animals”. His childhood was filled with the traditions of Pueblo living, spending the winter evenings doing beadwork, drawing, painting, clay modeling and woodwork. While their grandparents told them old legends and stories of their ancestors and the importance of the duties to Mother Earth and the creatures that live in it. Also reviving his ancient ancestors, the Mimbres, Joseph Lonewolf designs bring all of these traditions together in his beautiful miniature pottery. They have become much more than what you see at your first glance – not just pottery, but a reflection of the past into the present that reminds us of a simpler life and time.

The process to bring these miniature pottery pieces to life begins with the gathering of the clay. The clay is gathered from the hills nearby the Santa Clara Pueblo, dried and cleaned thoroughly, then crushed to a fine powder. It is then soaked in water for a month or two, then mixed with the same water, wrapped then set aside for another month or two. When the clay is ready it is rolled into coils of different thicknesses, then formed by hand in the shape of a pot, bowl, jar or vase. This stage can take up to three weeks after which the pieces are again set aside for three months to be cured to the proper hardness. They are then thoroughly smoothed and set aside once more for the slip that comes next. The slip is a refined and thinned down clay that Joseph Lonewolf has gathered from different areas for various colors that is a signature of his uniquely detailed pottery. The slip is applied over the entire surface of the vessel and then polished with a water worn stone. In his own words: ”This step takes a lot of elbow grease if you want a nice polish.” These stones many times are inherited by family members and highly treasured by their owners. Each one is unique in size and shape in order to polish these miniature pottery jewels. This amazing process is crucial and must be started and finished in the same sitting.

Next comes the design, which is chipped, carved, incised or corrugated into the unfinished vessel. “Since the design is in my mind, I just start cutting and chipping away at that first slick polished layer, using tools that are chips of flint attached to sticks. I may work all day to do only a quarter inch of design work on the top rim.” This precise coordination between hand, eye and mind brings Joseph Lonewolf’s incredible visions, unique to him alone, to life. The final and most crucial step is the firing process which is done traditionally out of doors and must be done with much skill and mastery to ensure many weeks of work is not destroyed.

Many of his images come from the” Mimbres culture” pottery which was comprised of geometric designs and figurative paintings of nature’s creatures.

Birds such as quail and hummingbirds, insects like butterflies and bees, and many different animals from the deserts and mountains such as bighorn sheep, deer, buffalo, bear and the Rocky Mountain goat are some of the animal figures he uses.

One small vessel from the collection of Indian River Gallery is a beautiful piece with a fawn lying in the meadow peacefully watching the butterflies as they flutter around her. You can imagine only the sounds of nature, far away from the interference of human life. This scene provides a blissful moment of tranquility to the viewer. Another one of his pieces is in collaboration with his father Camilio Sunflower Tafoya. This is a wonderful scene from a Deer Dancer Ceremony depicting several dancers encircling the upper portion of this vessel. The figures are painted onto a beautiful sky blue background with eagle feathers around the lower section of this exceptional seed pot.

The last piece from Joseph Lonewolf is absolutely brilliant. It is comprised of a Rocky Mountain goat surveying his domain high atop a rock face with only the sky above him. This brilliant vessel is done in bas-relief that shows the contours of this magnificent animal as well as the mountaintop it stands on. This transmits a sensation that you are observing from an adjacent mountaintop. With a ribbon of an intricately etched floral design surrounding this piece you can’t help but wonder at the dedication this master potter has to his craft.

The Harmony of Style and Substance

2011-04-21T15:00:00.000-07:00

Here in Las Vegas, style rules. Many of the beautiful buildings that line the strip are mere facades that cover somewhat average structures. The pizazz and sparkle of many of the casinos are created with lights and visual effects as often as they are with breathtaking architectural panache. That’s why we are so proud of the many incredible pieces we have on display here at Indian River Gallery; they are incredibly stylish while having a rich cultural depth that is derived from the Native American traditions that gave birth to them.

For example, take the many exquisite Navajo Weavings featured in our gallery. They rival the tapestries of medieval Europe in their craftsmanship and beauty, yet their importance transcends their mere visual appeal. Using skills they believe have been passed down from the spider-woman (who helped to create the world), Navajo weavers bring all of the earthly elements together to create their masterpieces. Using vegetal dyes, sheep’s wool, and the skills passed from earlier generations they weave the stories and religious symbols of Navajo culture into designs that are breathtaking to witness.

Many of the objects on display here at Indian River Gallery share this trait. Each comes with a story that describes the traditions of a proud people. Whether it be of Hopi, Navajo, Zuni, Apache, Sioux or Arapaho origin, each piece is a work of art, a piece of the earth, and a piece of Native American history. I would say that's substantive, wouldn’t you?

You can discover these incredible pieces for yourself by visiting our website at www.indianrivergallery.com.

Magnificence in Miniature – The Tafoya Legacy (Part One)

2011-04-07T19:58:00.000-07:00

We at Indian River Gallery have a wonderful collection of miniature pottery with a variety of intricate designs, and they are something that definitely deserves a closer look. These pots are handmade in the same tradition as their larger brothers and sisters with very precise painting, carving, incising and sgraffito. These master Native American potters use these techniques to achieve the amazingly detailed designs that sometimes look impossible to accomplish. One family of potters is the Tafoya family from the Santa Clara Pueblo, starting with Sarafina and Geronimo Tafoya. They had six children, one being Camilio “Sunflower” Tafoya (b.1902) who, along with his wife Agapita was among the early innovators of the incising method of design. Their commitment to the traditions of Santa Clara pottery making and the teachings of their parents shows through in their work as well as in the work of generations that have followed. In the study of this pottery and the designs you also find yourself studying the people that made them, and their history in the Rio Grande river valley of New Mexico. Many of these designs come from the creatures of the sky, mountains, deserts and waters found in the incredibly diverse landscape of the Southwest. Camilio began making miniatures in the early 70’s and today they are much sought after. We have two of his pieces here at Indian River Gallery - one completed in 1985 the other 1986. Both feature parrot designs with one also having two beautifully etched owls on one side. We also have a collaborative piece with his son Joseph Lonewolf that has a festive deer dancer ceremony surrounding the vessel. These pieces are in excellent condition, very rare, and would be a great addition to anyone’s pottery collection. Click here to view our amazing selection of miniature pottery at Indian River Gallery!

April 2011 Gallery News - Zuni Fetishes 10% Off!

2011-03-29T16:24:00.000-07:00

This month at Indian River Gallery get 10% Off all of our Zuni Fetishes!

Zuni fetishes are an important part of the complex Zuni religion. The carvings represent the animal spirit that is believed to live within the stone. Often a hunter would use the fetish to bless his arrowhead before a hunt.

The Zuni Native Americans believe in six sacred directions: Above, North, East, West, South, and Below. Each of these directions is associated with both a color and a fetish animal. In one particular set of fetish animals that are used for healing, the animals are as follows:

Direction	Color	Animal
Above	Multi-colored	Eagle
North	Yellow	Mountain Lion
East	White	Wolf
South	Red	Badger
West	Blue	Bear
Below	Black	Mole

These fetishes are highly collectible and are highly prized by connoisseurs from all over the world. We have a wonderful selection here at Indian River Gallery and look forward to sharing them all with our wonderful clients.

Go to www.indianrivergallery.com and get your own Zuni fetish today!

Steve Lucas - The Spirit of Balance

2011-03-11T12:25:00.000-08:00

This beautiful piece of pottery by award winning Tewa artist Steve Lucas, of the Corn Clan, has it all: elegance, grace, detail, native spirit, balance and symmetry.

The Hopi-Tewa Native Americans are known for their pottery, specifically the designs that you see on this piece as well as others by this amazing artist. They use yucca leaves as the brush and natural pigments from plants and minerals to paint their exquisite pottery.

Their level of skill is exemplified by the fact that Hopi potters do not use a stencil or outline before painting the pieces, however the designs are symmetrical all the way around the pot of a skilled artisan.

This skill is rare, and should be recognized when considering Hopi pottery for your collection, as well as the symmetry and balance of the shape of the pot. Steve Lucas' work embodies all of these most admired qualities, and because of that he has been awarded many times for multiple pieces.

We have this piece and other exquisite examples of Steve Lucas pottery in our gallery in the Miracle Mile Shops at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. They can also be viewed on our website at http://www.indianrivergallery.com/. Take the time to explore all of the breathtaking Hopi pottery you can own.

Jimmy Abeita - A "Living Treasure" and His Work

2011-03-07T16:40:00.000-08:00

Jimmy Abeita is a Navajo painter who has had a lifetime full of wonderful achievement, including being named a "Living Treasure" by the Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial Association in 2006.

His artistic endeavors began at the early age of three when he would use grocery sacks to draw on. Jimmy is the second oldest of ten kids, and at the age of eleven his parents made the decision to put him in the Mormon Placement program. He remained with a foster family in Salt Lake City until he completed the tenth grade. When he returned to the Four Corners area he completed his education. Shortly after graduation Abeita married his first wife, Hannah, whom he had met while living in Salt Lake City.

He received a full tribal scholarship and made the decision to attend the American Academy of Art in Chicago. He had set his sights on a career as an artist in motion. During this time he would finish a dozen or more paintings a week. It was not long before he had developed his own personal style and started winning awards. By 1970 Abeita moved his family from Chicago back to Crownpoint, New Mexico. It was at this time that he added landscapes to his repertoire. This was a result of the inspiration of land and life on the Navajo reservation instilled in him. By 1972 Jimmy had won his first Grand Prize award and peaked in his career by the mid 1970s.

The next few decades were difficult times for Jimmy due to the loss of Hannah, who was killed in a car crash. His second wife, Yvonne Bowman, died after giving birth their daughter. The losses he experienced contributed to alcohol abuse and depression. His life and career has been up and down. He produced some of his best work during this time. Abeita moved to Gallup and lived with his son, Troy, and his family. While living with his son, Jimmy created painting after painting and also began experimenting with different mediums like pen ink, charcoal and watercolor.

The tragedies continued for Jimmy. On September 11, 2001, he was attacked by a group of teenagers and they almost beat him to death using a piece of lumber. During the attack he was hit in the face which impaired his vision. After the attack, his paintings have not exemplified the detail they once did due to the damage of his vision. Abeita has adapted his style, nonetheless, and still creates inspiring pieces of art.

Despite the difficult times that Jimmy Abeita has faced in his life, he has achieved greatness and is truly a "Living Treasure." Visit us at Indian River Gallery to own a treasure created by the Navajo legend Jimmy Abeita.

Maria Martinez - Reshaping Pottery History

2011-03-03T14:13:00.000-08:00

In the world of Native American pottery, few names inspire more respect and admiration than Maria Martinez. Maria, along with her family, literally reshaped the traditional methods of creating pottery in the American Southwest.

In 1887 (give or take a few years), life began for Maria Antonia Montoya. She lived 20 miles Northwest of Santa Fe, New Mexico, in a community called San Ildefonso Pueblo, where she resided until her death in 1980. At a young age Maria learned about pottery making while watching her aunt. At the request of Dr. Edgar Lee Hewitt (who at the time was the director of the Museum of New Mexico), she reintroduced pre-historic pottery making techniques with more artistic expression while retaining some aspects of the Pueblo way of life. This was instrumental in preventing the extinction of ancient pottery traditions.

Maria met and married Julian Martinez shortly before undertaking this important project. This was the start of an artistic collaboration where Maria would shape pieces and Julian would paint designs on them. the couple invented blackware which became a success. It allowed areas on the pottery to have either a matte finish or a glossy jet black. San Ildefonso pottery is unique because they use the clay derived from the reservation.

Maria began to raise a family with Julian while still producing their pottery, carrying out traditional values and duties. After the death of her husband, Maria did not give up pottery making but continued with some of her children, including daughter-in-law Santana and son Popovi Da. Maria's pieces became more collectible and rare to find since her death in 1980. Her pieces are signed "Marie & Julian," "Maria & Poveka" and "Maria/Popovi."

We are fortunate enough to have acquired some of Maria Martinez' pottery at our gallery. You can now own a piece of history by visiting on our website by clicking on this link. We also have some of her collaboration pieces with Popovi Da and Santana here and here, respectively. You can always come to sunny Las Vegas, Nevada to visit our beautiful gallery and study Maria's pieces in person before your purchase!

A Hopi Tradition

2011-02-28T14:13:00.000-08:00

Cecil Calnimptewa was born in 1950 in Moenkopi, Arizona, and is a Hopi katsina carver. He first learned how to carve as a teenager from his father, Cecil, Sr. Cecil, Jr. is one of the greatest katsina carvers of all time, incorporating motion, detail and accuracy like no other.

Cecil's first introduction to art was while attending high school on the Reservation. He then went to Haskell Junior College in Kansas, where he had intended to learn a trade but instead found himself studying art. After college, Cecil went into construction as a drywaller for 14 years. It was only after this that he began carving full-time at home. This allowed him to be with his family. Unfortunately, in 1991 Cecil's wife Muriel passed away as the result of pneumonia.

Being a full-time carver has allowed Cecil to perfect his skill. The muscle tone and detail in his katsinas is immaculate, surpassing most other carvers. All of his carvings depict fluid motion and accurate facial expressions. The knowledge and skill that Cecil possesses has empowered him to teach younger generations the art of katsina carving. He always starts them off with carving the Crow Mother, which is the first figure he tried his hand at. He has taught 25 to 30 young carvers and is now teaching his own children. Along with making katsinas, Cecil also dances as the Yellow Fox at Old Oraibi every season.

To see the great katsinas we have here at the Indian River Gallery, please click here, or you can come to our beautiful gallery in fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino!

Frogwoman Pottery

2011-02-24T14:13:00.000-08:00

Joy "Frogwoman" Navasie was born in 1919 on the Hopi Reservation in the Tewa Village. She was born into the Kachina Clan. Her given Hopi-Tewa name is Yellow Flower. She is the only daughter of famed Hopi-Tewa potter Paqua Naha. Paqua, the original Frog Woman, (the name Paqua means frog) was the artist who developed the famous "white slip" pottery, for which the family is well known.

Joy began making pottery in her teenage years. She started making pottery in 1935 and began signing with the frog in 1939. Joy would sign her pieces with the frog symbol and to distinguish her symbol from her mother's frog, which had toes, Joy drew her frog with webbed feet.

Joy learned the "old ways" of pottery making from her mother. Joy would gather clay, clean, mold and coil the pottery. The slipping, polishing and painting and finally the outdoor firing were all done in the traditional way.

Joy is one of the most prolific and finest Hopi potters of today. She shared all of the knowledge that she acquired over the years with her family members, so that they could continue the tradition which her mother Paqua had taught her.

Joy is related to many famous artists. Among them are Loretta Navasie Laban, Grace Navasie Lomahquahu, Sylvia Naha, Burel Naha, Stetson Setalla, Fawn Navasie and the late Marianne Navasie Harrison. Joy hopes that her descendants continue to use traditional methods out of respect for the frog. An excellent traditional Hopi potter, connoisseurs from all over the world collect and treasure her pieces.

We have acquired some of Frogwoman's most beautiful works of art, and you can view them by clicking on this link. You can also visit our gorgeous gallery in Las Vegas, Nevada in the Miracle Mile Shops at the Planet Hollywood Resort!

The Beaded Luxury of Kenneth Aguilar

2011-02-21T14:13:00.000-08:00

Kenneth Aguilar was born in 1951 in the Santo Domingo Pueblo where he currently resides. The Santo Domingo Pueblo is one of the nineteen Pueblo Indian Nations in New Mexico. Kenneth's mother Ventura began teaching him to create beautiful jewelry at the age of 10, when he would help her carry pots and shanks of beads to the San Felipe Pueblo to sell to traders.

Kenneth would wrap rubber tire tubing around his hands to protect them when he was dragging the materials across a stone face to form beads, later a hand-cranked wheel took the place of the stone, but the beads are still hand drilled. He attended the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe and currently has a home studio he works out of with his wife Angie. The stones Ken uses most in his beautiful creations are turquoise, coral, spiny oyster, sugilite, opal, lapis and gaspeite. He sells his work locally and nationally to museums and galleries around the country.

You can find many pieces of Ken and Angie Aguilar's work here at Indian River Gallery either by dropping by the gallery in Las Vegas or stopping by our website at www.indianrivergallery.com or by clicking on this link.

Aldrich Jewelry - Husband and Wife Team Up To Create Masterpieces

2011-02-16T16:43:00.000-08:00

Over 30 years ago Valerie and Benny Aldrich started creating beautiful jewelry in a tee pee only feet away from their back door in Prescott, Arizona. Now located in Durango, Colorado the Aldrich's continue to design some of the most intricate, amazing jewelry in the Southwest. Having only minimal jewelry making experience when they started out, they now continually amaze with their visual artistry.

Valerie and Benny were two of the first artists to begin using gemstones along with inlay jewelry. They also revived the use of Spiny Oyster Shell in jewelry making. Valerie designs the inlay pattern by first drawing it out and then using colored pencils to fill in the colors before actually constructing the piece. Benny then does the metalworking around the piece using either silver, gold or a combination of both. They use only top quality gemstones and shells, none of which are treated in any way.

Their distinctly detailed work is impossible to miss. Once you have been introduced to it you will never forget its impeccable beauty. The Aldrich's work can be found in galleries and stores from coast to coast, but it's most well known in the Southwest. Their work is also collected by many celebrities.

If you would like to own your very own piece of the Southwest and acquire any 0f Benny and Valerie's exquisite jewelry, visit us here at Indian River Gallery in the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Las Vegas or visit our website!

Carl and Irene Clark

2011-02-11T13:03:00.000-08:00

Arizona was the home to both Carl and Irene. Carl was born in 1952, and is a member of the Manygoat clan. As for his wife Irene, she is a member of the Edgewater clan. The Clarks put their artistic beauty and skill in craftsmanship together to create contemporary Native American jewelry, which is made in gold and silver, featuring micro-fine intarsia inlay using turquoise, coral, sugilite, opal, shells, jet and other gems and stones to resemble a watercolor painting. One bracelet often will possess five to six thousand stones.

They have won numerous awards and they are featured in "The Beauty of Navajo Jewelry" by Theda Bassman, "The Cutting Edge," "Contemporary Southwestern Jewelry and Metalwork" by Diana Pardue, and "Southwestern Indian Jewelry" by Dexter Cirillo. Their jewelry has been on exhibit in "Jewels of the Southwest 2002" at the Museum of Arts and Culture in New Mexico.

To view the beautiful pieces we have in the gallery by the amazingly talented Navajo artists Carl and Irene Clark, please click here. We also have pieces that are made entirely by Carl Clark, and you can view those by clicking on this link. You can also come see us at our wonderful gallery in fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada, at the Miracle Mile Shops in Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino!

This Month @ Indian River Gallery

2011-01-26T13:32:00.000-08:00

Indian River Gallery would like to introduce you to their passion and love of Native American, Southwestern, and Western Art. Discover Indian River Gallery’s expansive jewelry and art collection representing over 700 artists showcased in a 5-Star, Museum QuIndian River Gallery would like to introduce you to their passion and love of Native American, Southwestern, and Western Art. Discover Indian River Gallery’s expansive jewelry and art collection representing over 700 artists showcased in a 5-Star, Museum Quality gallery quality gallery.

This month we have a lovely selection of jewelry by Benny and Valerie Aldrich with hearts that would make a wonderful gift for the special person in your life this Valentine’s Day.

These beautiful pieces are delicately inlaid with angel skin coral (pink), Sugilite (purple), Opal (shimmering white), Spiny Oyster Shell (orange), Orville Jack Turquoise (green), and amethysts (purple gemstones).

Benny and Valerie Aldrich are husband and wife and have a small staff that maintains a group purpose of operating in harmony and balance to create expressions of perfection and love for themselves and others. Benny does a majority of the silversmithing while Valerie draws out the designs for each unique and special piece. They have a select few employees that are specialists in the fine details and skills required to cut and inlay each natural stone with great care, talent and precision.

Benny and Valerie were among the first to ever use gemstones for inlaying and revived spiny oyster shell as a jewelry material over thirty years ago. They use only the best natural gemstones and other traditional and recent materials, none of which is resin treated.

We have a lovely selection of Benny and Valerie's jewelry with hearts that would make a wonderful gift for the special person in your life this Valentine’s Day.

Navajo Weaving : Two Grey Hills

2011-01-24T14:22:00.000-08:00

Weaving is one of the most time consuming arts of the Native American mediums. A Navajo weaver will devote many hours of her life to wool preparation and to the skill of weaving amazing patterns. The Native Americans have been weaving textiles for over 2000 years. Navajo legend tells us that Spider Woman, a spiritual being, taught the ancient ancestors to weave on a loom made by Spider Boy. Spider Woman and Boy have been credited with helping to weave the world into existence.

There are many different styles of weavings and regions in which the weavings are created. Two Grey Hills is located on the east side of the Chuska Mountains and north of Gallup, New Mexico. Their weavings are made of natural, handspun and hand carded wool. The wool comes from the sheep that the Navajo families raise in this area. The sheep are bred specially for the different color fleece they produce. The wool colors range from a variety of shades of gray, black, brown and white.

The patterns used in the Two Grey Hills weavings are terraced and serrated diamond centers, quarter diamond corner elements with full or half borders. By the 1960's, this area is know for the super fine detail with extremely high thread counts. Due to the fine detail it will take a weaving many months to create a relatively small rug. These weavings are some of the most expensive and highly prized because of the fine detail and the complex geometric designs.

Please visit us at Indian River Gallery to view our breathtaking collection of Two Grey Hills weavings, or you can click on the link here to see some of the beautiful pieces on our website!

Baskets

2011-01-20T21:01:00.000-08:00

Basket weaving is one of the oldest known Native American crafts, dating back nearly 8000 years according to some baskets found in the Southwest. Different tribes had different techniques, styles and shapes, emphasizing the distinction between each region's baskets. They also utilized different materials to make the baskets, based on what components were natural to the region. Northeastern natives use pounded ash splints or braided sweetgrass. Southeastern natives use bundled pine needles or rivercane wicker. Southwest natives generally utilize sumac or willow wood, while Northwest Coast natives weave with cedar bark, swamp grass and spruce root. Northern tribes even use whale baleen for their baskets.

Over time, as natives were displaced from their land and lifestyles, the styles, techniques and sources changed, somtimes almost merging with other styles. Many basket weavers use the coiling technique, which means that they use a flexible"coil", which is the sweetgrass, sumac or other materials listed above. This coil begins at the bottom center of the basket or is coiled around a flat disk of bark or wood, and is spiraled upward and outward. It is then fastened by stitching material to hold it in place.

Native Americans use baskets for various utilitarian needs. Some were used to cook in and some for gathering items, as well as storing items such as food, grains and water. Basketry is a dying art for various reasons. One reason is the depletion of materials and dyes used in the process and the difficulty of obtaining those materials due to inclimate weather, length of travel required for acquisition and environmental impact. Another reason younger generations are not commonly practicing this ancient technique is because they, in general, do not feel the necessity, patience or desire to practice the art.

Hilda Coriz of the Santo Domingo Pueblo

2010-12-02T16:09:00.000-08:00

Hilda Coriz was born in 1949 of the Santo Domingo Pueblo in New Mexico. She was taught the art of working clay by her brother Robert Tenorio during the 1980's.

Hilda would gather the natural clays and other pigments from within the Santo Domingo Pueblo with her husband Arthur Coriz. They would prepare the clay and form the pottery using the hand coiling method. The pottery would then be set out to dry and hand painted using the clay slips which would have been made from the natural pigments. Some of the pigments would come

from boiled spinach plant and honey bee wax. Finally the pottery would be fired in the traditional way, outdoors.

Hilda and Arthur have won many awards over the years, actually too many to list. Hilda and Arthur would sign their pieces as Arthur and Hilda Coriz followed by a hand etched pot design. Arthur died in the winter of 1998 and Hilda recently passed in 2007.

To see more of the fine pottery we've collected please visit us online or in person at Indian River Gallery at the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resorts and Casino in sunny Las Vegas. We would love to meet you!

Canyons and Sunsets Inspire

2010-11-29T15:45:00.000-08:00

Navajo artist Vernon Haskie was born in 1968. Raised by the Navajo Reservation in the town of Lukachukai, Arizona, Vernon started his first piece of jewelry when he was just nine years old. He started winning awards in 1991 and has since received numerous awards for his craft throughout the Southwest.

Vernon's inspiration comes from within the walls of the Navajo Reservation. The canyons and sunsets inspire him to create his innovative and artful jewelry.

Navajo 14K Gold Indian Mountain Turquoise with Coral Pendant

Vernon is an exceptional artist with unique and individual style of his own. He combines channel and sculptural inlay techniques along with cabochons. Vernon works in silver and gold with turquoise, coral, diamonds, and opals in his outstanding pieces.

Vernon is an amazing artist that is highly acclaimed and known throughout the Southwest. Vernon's dream is to be the best, he has surpassed his own dreams, utilizing and evolving his unique channel inlay technique.

Navajo 14K Gold #8 Turquoise Bracelet with Coral, Sugilite and Lapis

To see more of this artists work visit our gallery online or in person at the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in beautiful Las Vegas, Nevada. We'd love to see you!

Red Gold of Native Jewelry

2010-10-25T18:09:00.000-07:00

Coral, also known as "Red Gold," is a precious stone to the Natives of the Southwest. In the snake dances of the Hopis, necklaces were worn made of coral and turquoise. To the Navajos, strands of the coral beads were a sign of success and social prominence, or if in strands of 10 or more worn by a woman showed sign of her thirtieth birthday. The most prized and cherished necklaces of coral and turquoise bear a coin, fetish or piece of turquoise tied to one of the strands. These "sing-ties" are mementos of the songs and dances which the lady has attended and attest to her popularity and status.

Natives of New Mexico and Arizona perceive the coral as an ornament of the highest value and esteem. It was led to believe that if worn it brought great luck, long life, and virility. Also, with great power, enough to heal blindness or snakebite! The existence of coral for adornment, and its great demand in our world, dates back over ten thousand years. Fragments of coral used as ornaments, amulets or icons have been found in neolithic graves in Europe, and among the personal possessions of those of the Minoan-Mycenean, Babylonian and Egyptian civilization. There are also coral cameos from the Roman Imperial Era and small sculptures with the reproduction of a siren and various animals from the Iron Age. Therefore, it is known that the Southwest Native Americans weren't the only ones who sought the beauty and magic of coral. Ivan the Terrible, the Russian Tsar; Greek, Hebrew and Muslim doctors; German, English and French seers were all using this magical gem.

For centuries, science debated on the classification that the coral fell under, either vegetable or mineral. Come to find out, with help from the Frenchman, Peyssonel, this special gem comes from the calcareous skeletal remains of thousands of minute sea animals. Most coral are fished out from the sea bed, which makes this gem as expensive as gold. Firm like a rock, the tree-fan forms in many different colors in a range of blood-red, to orange, to pink or even white. Color also determines the price of coral, and pale pink is known as Angel Skin Coral which is most valuable. Ox-blood red, known as Moorish, and cherry red, known as Satsuma, are next in demand. Fine, jewelry-quality coral has often been referred to in the trade as "Red Gold."

To see some of our beautiful "Red Gold," please click here or come visit our amazing gallery on the famous Las Vegas Strip!

EFFIE CALAVAZA - The Snake Lady

2010-10-20T20:28:00.000-07:00

Born to the Zuni Pueblo in 1928, Effie Calavaza began silversmithing in 1956 after learning from her husband Juan Calavaza. She specializes in using large gemstones, sandcasting, sterling silver and creating dazzling snake designs on her jewelry. She is known world wide for her distinctive silver snake and turquoise nugget design. Because of her popularity she went all the way to the Supreme Court of the United States to obtain full copyright of her artwork to stop imposters from importing fake pieces of her work.

The serpent diety is a symbol of abundant rainfall to some tribes, it is also thought to bring energy and power to protect the water source, bless the streams and to bring rain.

To ensure authenticity, look for Effie's signature "Effie C-Zuni" on her jewelry. Despite many rumors Effie Calavaza is still alive and still creating beautiful jewelry at the young age of 82.

Indian River Gallery has a significant collection of Effie's beautiful jewelry, stop by and see her amazing work for yourself or visit our online.

Burel Hughs Naha - Long Haired Katsina

2010-10-15T20:34:00.000-07:00

Meet Burel Naha. Burel was born into the Spider Clan and the Parrot Clan on the Hopi reservation in 1944.

Burel comes from a hugely important family. He is the son of Archie and Helen Naha (famed and deceased artist Featherwoman).

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Burel's grandmother was the first Frogwoman, Paqua Naha. Paqua was the one to develop the unique white slip pottery. Burel is the brother of Sylvia Naha and Rainy Naha.

Burel credits his success to his late mother, Helen Naha. He was encouraged to learn the art of traditional pottery making at the age of 7. He appreciates and values his mother for teaching him the ways of their ancestors.

Burel has created his very own unique style. He was inspired by his own daughter, when one day she came home with a computerized photo of a spider that she had drawn at school. The design of the spider fascinated him and late one night he decided to experiment with the spider design on his pottery. People often refer to him as "Spider-man."

Burel was a teacher for many years and his teaching career took priority over his pottery making. He now solely dedicates his life to his wonderful uniquely painted pottery.

Burel's pieces are of superb quality, and his form of painting is flawless. Burel is a fabulous artist with a distinctive style. He signs his pieces with a feather and a Long Hair Katsina.

To view more of our unsurpassed Native American Fine Art collection visit us online or meet us in person at Indian River Gallery in the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino and beautiful Las Vegas.

Pottery Artists Steve and Yvonne Lucas

2010-10-10T19:51:00.000-07:00

Steve Lucas was born into the Tewa, Corn Clan. He is the grandson of Rachel Namingha Nampeyo, the son of Eleanor Lucas and the nephew of Priscilla Namingha Nampeyo.

Yvonne is from the Laguna pueblo and she married into Hopi. Yvonne is an exceptional and highly talented potter. She works in the traditional Laguna style. Her pieces are gracefully formed, finely polished and well painted. Yvonne has won awards at Indian Market in the Laguna category.

Steve and Yvonne enjoy working together as well as working independently. Steve and Yvonne have also won awards for the collaborative pieces for which they have worked on.

Steve has emerged as one of the premier artists from the Nampeyo family. Steve was a student of Dextra Quotskuyva. He has consistently won blue ribbons at the most prestigious shows in the pottery field; Santa Fe Indian Market, Gallup Ceremonial, just to name two of the most illustrious shows. Steve has won premier awards at most of the major Indian arts and crafts shows throughout the United States.

Steve Lucas has the Hopi name of Koyemsi, Hopi Tewa for the Mudhead Clown, the clan to which he belongs on Hopi First Mesa. Steve signs his pottery with his name and the Mudhead logo and also the corn logo, which is a symbol of the Corn Clan, the clan of Namepeyo, Steve's great grandmother.

The award-winning stunning bowl below is an example of the collaberation of Steve and Yvonne. It measures 8.78" x 12".

To see and learn more of their incredible pottery visit us at Indian River Gallery in sunny Las Vegas. We would love to share with you our knowledge and love of the Lucas pottery and help you with your collection. You will not be disappointed!

Sugilite

2010-10-05T12:41:00.000-07:00

Sugilite, also known as luvulite, is relatively rare and is purple in color, but sometimes can be pink. This beautiful mineral is found in Japan, Canada, South Aftrica, Italy, Australia and India, all in small deposits except from South Africa, where a large deposit of gem grade sugilite was found. Sugilite was first found in 1944, so it is a fairly recently discovered stone. This fantastic mineral often contains black matrix, but the bright purple stones with little matrixing or blotches are the most valued.

According to legend, sugilite strengthens the heart, aids in physical healing and reduces stress. It is also a balancer of mind, body and spirit and encourages peace of mind, a general feeling of well being and spiritual love. It also is alleged to ward off negative energy and dissipate anger.

This stunning 18K Gold and Sugilite necklace with a diamond is by Pala Mission / Cherokee artist Larry Golsh. The necklace is 17 1/2" long and the Sugilite stone is 2" long.

Because of its intense beauty and healing qualities, sugilite is highly valued both as a rough stone and in jewelry and sculptures. Native Americans enjoy using this exquisite mineral in the stunning pieces of jewelry and sculptures they make by hand. They realize the spiritual importance and physical beauty of this rare stone, and will continue to utilize it until it is no longer available on the market. To see some of the amazing sugilite pieces that we have here at Indian River Gallery, please click here or come see us at our beautiful gallery in Las Vegas, Nevada!

Happiness, Health and Harmony

2010-09-30T20:52:00.000-07:00

NAVAJO INLAY

Steeped in ancient tradition, today's Navajo jewelry is alive with innovation and sings with beauty. The world is meant to be a place of happiness, health, and harmony; to walk in beauty is to keep life in balance. Master jewelers pay strict attention to minute detail, as demonstrated by the flawless finish of each piece and the perfect marriage of metal and stone.

Many gemstones and other natural materials are inlayed to enhance the beauty of today's Navajo jewelry: turquoise, diamonds, lapis lazuli, coral, jet, malachite, sugilite, abalone, fossilized ivory, opal, spiny oyster shell, charoite, and many others. These precious and semi-precious stones are collected from the world over. The silver and goldsmiths with exceptional talents, creative mind, and active imaginations continue to experiment with materials and designs constantly seeking new challenges.

Here at Indian River Gallery, we are honored to have works by such artists as: Wes Willie, Edison Cummings, Vernon Haskie, Alvin Yellowhorse, Leo Yazzie, Jesse Monongye and Carl and Irene Clark. Look for a special piece that you love and will treasure. Look for beauty. Share the dream.

The Exquisite Spiny Oyster

2010-09-24T14:34:00.000-07:00

A common stone used in Indian jewelry is actually not a stone at all but a shell, the Spiny Oyster shell or Spondylus is in the mollusk or scallop family and comes in several beautiful colors, yellow, orange, red and purple. The color is determined by the ocean depth it is found in. The orange Spiny Oyster is the more common variety. Orange is found at mid to low ocean depths so that snorkelers and divers can easily locate it. Purple Spiny Oyster is very difficult to harvest because of the depth of water it is found. This makes the purple Spiny Oyster more rare and difficult to find.

Most of the Spiny Oyster used in jewelry is found in the Sea of Cortez, near Baja, California. The anatomy of this creature is also very interesting, they have several eyes located around the edge of their shells and a significantly developed nervous system. Their shell is held together by a ball and socket hinge and this amazing sea animal actually starts out as a male and turns into a female during it's lifetime.

Now that your curiosity is peaked, please stop by Indian River Gallery in person or visit our website and see for yourself the beautiful rainbow of color that the Spiny Oyster provides to the silver jewelry it adorns.

Spiny Oyster Shell

Ron Honyouti - Master Hopi Katsina Carver

2010-09-18T18:46:00.000-07:00

Ron Honyouti is a master Hopi katsina carver, and is the youngest of 4 brothers. He has lived on the Hopi reservation most of his life and was inspired to practice the great art of katsina carving by his father, Clyde, and his brother, Brian, at the age of 12. Ron has won numerous awards for his amazingly detailed katsina carvings, including "Best of Division", "Best of Class", and "First Place" from shows such as the world-famous Santa Fe Indian Market and the Gallup Intertribal Ceremonial.

There have not been many carvings created by this extremely talented artist, therefore fans, collectors and galleries are always looking forward to seeing his next masterpiece at a gallery showing or art show. Ron's son, Mavasta, is also a katsina carver with works in multiple galleries.

We are very fortunate to have some of Ron Honyouti's work here at the gallery. Click on the links below to access our website and view some of his amazing pieces.

Hopi Katsinas
Ron Honyouti

Mystical Realism in Acrylic

2010-09-14T21:04:00.000-07:00

Mark Rohrig was born and raised in Grand Junction, CO, and began drawing at the age of 4. He began selling his paintings by the time he was in 10th grade, having been taught the art of wheeling and dealing by his father, a lapidary artist. When Mark was 19, he took some of his paintings to a gallery in Taos, NM, in hopes that they were accepting new artists. He was in luck.

His work was represented by the gallery and a year later they did a one-man show for Mr. Rohrig. It was their most successful show ever, with all 23 paintings displayed being sold! Following this success, Mark began to be represented by galleries all over the United States.

Mark Rohrig focuses on Native American figures, and is particularly knowledgeable about Northern Plains Indians. His figures are of no one in particular, more just a representation of the culture, using that as inspiration. The era that is generally depicted in Mark's paintings is 1870-1910. He works solely in acrylics, due to the fact that it is fast-drying and he loves brilliant colors. Rohrig is one of the few Western artists that have made a living as a fine artist for their entire career. His original works are in such personal collections as Cher, Kevin Costner and Mariah Carey.

We have several of his original paintings here at Indian River Gallery, and you can view them on our website by following this link. Or better yet, see them in person at our gallery in the heart of the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in beautiful Las Vegas. You will NOT be disappointed!

LOLOMA. "Beauty Is His Name" ~Martha Hopkins Struever

2010-09-10T20:01:00.000-07:00

Charles Loloma was an artistic prodigy. He was born in Hotevilla in Third Mesa of the Hopi Reservation about January 7, 1922. Charles was born into the Badger Clan to Rachel and Rex Loloma and was the eldest of five children.

For Charles the drama and pageantry of ceremonial dances held in the plaza of Hotevilla were an integral part of daily life. He participated in ceremonies including those involving 'Katsinas', spirit messengers who determine the cycle of life in Hopi villages. He later became a Hopi spiritual leader and a Hopi snake priest. As leader of the Badger Clan he headed the 'Powamu'-Bean Dance. Few who admire his jewelry knew of the enormous contrast between his deep commitment to Hopi tradition and his innovative artistry. He kept his ceremonial life intensely private.

Charles began to sketch and paint at an early age. After leaving school he became a muralist.

He married Otellie in 1941 and by 1942 recieved a notice to serve in the United States Army. After the war Charles and Otellie went on to study a ceramics class in New York.

By the late 1940's, they returned to Hopi and then into Scottsdale where they continued to work on ceramics, but this is where he became passionately committed to his jewelry making.

Much of Charles early pieces were tufa cast silver, using many of the traditional symbols from Hopi, including Loloma's Badger Clan symbol, along with corn maiden, serpents, lizards, and chakwaina representations. By the late 1950's he began setting stones in his pieces. His pieces were said to be both 'stone age' and 'space age'. He experimented with turquiose, coral, lapis lazuli, ivory, and exotic woods. He had many trademarks in his work, he would use vertical slabs of stones stacked highly against each other. He would also inlay the inside of a piece of jewelry with stones. He called this unique style his "inner beauty" pieces, as he believed that people were more beautiful on the inside.

Charles won many awards for his work, including first prize seven years in a row at the Scottsdale National Indian Arts Exhibition. Charles' pieces were, and still are, exhibited at museums all over the United States. He definitely was an extraordinary individual.

His jewelry became internationally known and his pieces can be found in the collections of many distinguished persons, including Mrs. Dwight D. Eisenhower. In the 1960's President Lydon Johnson commissioned pieces to be presented to the Queen of Denmark and the wife of the Philippine President.

Sadly Charles Loloma passed in 1991 at the age of 69 years old. We must all feel honored that we were blessed to experience and enjoy such a great artist and his works, as we all do here at Indian River Gallery.

To see more of Charles Loloma's exquisite artistry please visit us online at http://www.indianrivergallery.com/client_area/featureditems/jewelry/lolomapage2.html. Or visit us in person at Indian River Gallery located in the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in beautiful Las Vegas.

"The Man In The Maze" - Hopi Silver Overlay

2010-09-07T19:21:00.000-07:00

Silver overlay began to emerge as a Hopi style in the late 1930's and 1940's. The Hopi's created a unique style by using the overlay techniques and adopting designs found on traditional Hopi pottery.

In 1949, Fred Kabotie, eminent Hopi painter, organized the "Hopi Arts and Crafts Silvercraft Cooperative Guild" on Second Mesa. The Guild is still in existence today. The purpose of the Guild was to furnish materials to the silversmiths, and then to buy back their finished jewelry pieces. They would sell the jewelry to the general public at a profit, which would be shared with the silversmiths. This plan was devised in order to employ many smiths and to ensure the future productions of Hopi jewelry.

The designs which are still used in the Hopi Jewelry were the patterns and designs which evolved from the traditional Hopi pottery. Hopi patterns were asymmetrical with fluid, curving lines that suggested movement. Hopi decorations contain geometric, spiral, and traditional motifs, such as terraced clouds, religious masks, and stylized animal figures. The Hopi designs used have a lot of meaning behind them. One favorite design used by the Hopi is a design called "The Man in the Maze". This depicts a person going through life ... taking the right paths throughout his life ... making correct choices throughout his life ...finding the right and best way to live his life.

Hopi overlay is a two-layer silver technique in which two pieces of silver are formed into flat pieces of the same shape. A design is cut into the top piece with a jewelry saw; the bottom piece is textured and oxidized, turning the sheet black. Then the two pieces are soldered together with the cut-out design as the top. The silversmith sometimes buffs and polishes the top surface until it gleams, but more often the silversmith will create a matte or satin finish by polishing the piece with fine steel wool. In the most refined Hopi overlay the seams are flawlessly invisible. Hopi overlay is primarily an art of silver, or sometimes gold. In 1957 overlay became the tribe's offical style of jewelry making. It cetainly is the most widely recognized style of Hopi Indian jewelry.

To learn more about Hopi Silver Overlay please come see us Indian River Gallery at the Miracle Mile Shops at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino and beautiful Las Vegas. Or see us online at www.IndianRiverGallery.com.

Hopi Artisan Don Supplee

2010-09-02T20:24:00.000-07:00

Don Supplee is a Hopi/French artist who was born in Ganado, Arizona, close to the Hopi Reservation. He has grown into a master contemporary jeweler. His early career began in the culinary arts where he is recognized as a master chef. His parents, both teachers, encouraged him to pursue his dreams. Don worked with his brother Charles Supplee for three years and began to develop his own unique style using metal fabrication, inlaying, stone cutting and the lost wax process to make his jewelry. He incorporates three-dimensional carving and he loves the combination of turquoise, coral, pearl, sugilite, onyx and diamonds in 18K gold.

His stunning pieces have garnered numerous awards and ribbons at the Annual Intertribal Ceremonial in Gallup, NM. Don has works in the National Collection in Washington, D.C., and has been a featured artist at the Gilcrease Museum in Oklahoma and the Buffalo Bill Museum in Cody, Wyoming. He has been featured and exhibited in numerous prominent museums, books and magazines. See more of his amazing works at www.IndianRiverGallery.com. Or visit us in sunny, beautiful Las Vegas!

Jesus Armendariz' Hand Carved Beauty

2010-08-29T19:49:00.000-07:00

We at Indian River Gallery have an insatiable appetite for handmade art, and this fact is proudly displayed when viewing the work of Jesus Armendariz. We carry many of his beautiful hand carved stag antler knives in our gallery. He carves the handle of each knife by hand out of either stag antler, elk or buffalo horn, and accents these with natural turquoise, onyx, coral and lapis stones. The amazing mirror-like blades are made of 440-C stainless steel and shaped by Jesus himself.

Jesus came to New Mexico from Durango, Mexico in the early 1980s and began making usable items out of leather while working at his father's restaurant. He met Ted Miller (Miami/Peoria) in 1991, and this changed his whole life. Ted was already a world-renowned artist, known for his hand carved collectible knives. Jesus practically lived with Ted and became part of his family over the next 18 years, learning the craft equal to Ted's standards.

Ted's last wishes were not to let his art die when he passed away, so in honor of him Jesus is still carving these magnificent collectible knives. Each piece is signed, numbered and registered to the buyer, and is available on our website or at the gallery in fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada!

JOHN NIETO: A Miracle Story

2010-08-26T10:18:00.000-07:00

John Nieto is an established artist with an international reputation. His work has been exhibited in Europe, Japan, North America, South America and Africa, where he has won scores of admirers in the United States and worldwide. Born in 1936 in Denver, CO, a mixture of Native American and Spanish descent, he was raised in Roswell, New Mexico and he now resides in Texas. His artwork was used for the official poster of the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, UT. Later that same year John's life took a drastic turn.

In October 2002, John Nieto suffered a massive stroke which rendered him nearly comatose for over 2 years. Unable to speak or read, John's family eventually gave up hope that he would ever paint again since his hands shook so badly he could no longer hold a brush, and the family gave away all his empty canvas', paints and brushes. Three years after the stroke he was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure. Shortly after beginning the treatment for the heart failure, he awoke the morning of July 8, 2005, got out of bed, walked around the house and asked "Where's my stuff?" as clear as a bell. It was not a gradual change, when he woke up that day he was completely back to normal. He started in the next day working on his unfinished pieces. John completed the 12 paintings that had been in storage in less than a month.

John Nieto's work has been displayed at the White House during the Reagan era and currently hangs in the Reagan Library. His work is also featured in the permanent collection of the National Museum of Wildlife Art. He has received the prestigious New Mexico Governor's Award for achievement in the arts. He gives his grandmother credit for his subject matter, when during a visit with her she asked him "Johnny, will you paint about my people?" recalls Nieto, "That is when I started painting Native American themes. It was like being born again."

Beholding a piece of John Nieto's work is like a visual explosion of color, it can not help but to brighten even the dullest day. So run, don't walk to view one of these spectacular visions of electrifying magnificence here at Indian River Gallery. We have several prints and an original to offer. Your eyes will thank you!

Indian River Gallery
At the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino
Las Vegas, Nevada
http://www.indianrivergallery.com/

We Love Green! Gaspeite is Amazing.

2010-08-23T12:18:00.000-07:00

Gaspeite is a very rare and beautiful mineral that is named after the region in which it was first discovered, the Gaspe' Peninsula in Quebec, Canada. It is green in color, ranging from an apple green to an almost neon green, and sometimes has patches of brown, giving the stone unique characteristics. Gaspeite is only found in Canada and Western Australia, so it is relatively difficult to find. It is found as a secondary mineral around nickel sulfide deposits, and was originally discarded by miners because it was thought to be unworkable due to its composition, as well as unprofitable. Lapidary artists see the stone much differently, and we have them to thank for all of the gorgeous gaspeite jewelry found at Indian River Gallery!

Please visit us at the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in beautiful Las Vegas or online at www.indianrivergallery.com to see more of the phenomenal pieces our artists have created with gaspeite.

MEET NAVAJO ARTIST JEANETTE DALE

2010-08-21T14:05:00.000-07:00

We are honored to have the work of artist Jeanette Dale at Indian River Gallery. Jeanette was born in Shiprock, NM to the Red House Clan in 1949. Her approach to jewelry designing is to take a superior stone and work around it to bring out its natural beauty. (Below: Navajo Single Stone Morenzi Turquoise Bracelet. Right: Navajo 9-Stone Spiny Oyster Cluster Earrings)

In 1973 she worked for a local electronics company cutting computer chips with a diamond saw. She was the fastest cutter at the plant with the best quality record. She produced nearly 4x the number of chips as the other employees. After losing her job when the plant closed, her mother Juanita Begay, a prominent silversmith, suggested Jeanette give jewelry making a try. She discovered that the precision she had cutting the computer chips transferred over to her silversmithing technique. (Below: Navajo Sterling Silver Earrings with Fossil Ivory)

Jeanette's style is very distinctive and easy to recognize, she prefers the Navajo style with large stones, heavy deep stamping and high polishes. Her pieces are solid and substantial, yet beautiful and ornate, her craftsmanship exceptional. She is a genuine master of her trade. Owning a piece of Jeanette Dale's jewelry would be an invaluable addition to your collection. (Below: Navajo Single Stone Pink Coral Ring)

To see more of Jeanette's magnificent pieces visit us online at http://www.indianrivergallery.com/ or meet us in person at our gallery in the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in sunny Las Vegas.

"Mother Earth never let me down." ~ Mida Tafoya

2010-08-18T16:42:00.000-07:00

One of the many treasured artists we have at Indian River Gallery is Mida Tafoya. She is the granddaughter of Jose Geronimo and Sara Fina Tafoya and the niece of Margaret Tafoya. Sara Fina and Margaret are known as the matriarchs of Santa Clara pottery making. Mida, born in 1931, was taught pottery making by her mother Christina Naranjo.

Mida enjoys meeting people and talking about her pottery. "I love working with clay. To me pottery making means a lot. Mother Earth never let me down." With over thirty years of work and being part of the Tafoya family tree her pieces are among the many gems we have at Indian River Gallery.

We have three of Mida's pots at Indian River Gallery, all with the traditional Avanyu design, meaning water serpent in the Tewa language. The design can be found carved on rocks and cliff faces along the Rio Grande river valley where the Santa Clara Pueblo is located. The Avanyu is a symbol representing how important the rain and storms are to sustain life in the pueblo. With fins that look like vigorously flowing water and lightning shooting out of its mouth it seems to show the mysterious power of the Avanyu.

The first piece of Mida's in our collection is a bowl with a fine polish throughout, including inside the bowl showing the artist's polishing technique, which is accomplished using river rocks and many hours of work. The second piece is a beautiful fluted vase with a very nice feather design and the Avanyu delicately carved around its base. Of her work, this is the largest that we have in the gallery and would be a great addition to anyone's collection. The third pot has an excellent polish and really shows the poignant care put into the tedious pottery making process.

All of Mida's work is carved sharp and deep with meticulous care to bring the unpolished slip right up to the polished design, showing the profound commitment to the traditions of the Tafoya family and the Santa Clara Pueblo.

View more Santa Clara Pottery by visiting http://www.indianrivergallery.com or stop in to see us at Indian River Gallery at the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in beautiful Las Vegas.

A Word (Or Two) on Turquoise

2010-08-15T19:53:00.000-07:00

Stop in and ask any of our staff at Indian River Gallery about turquoise and they will talk your ear off. We have some amazing pieces with exquisite matrix and color quality.

The word "turquoise" is derived from the French "pierre turquoise," meaning "Turkish stone." This came about because Europeans came to know about the beautiful stone through trade routes from Asia that came to them through Turkey. They would also purchase the stones in Turkish bazaars.

Turquoise is likely the longest-used of all gemstones, dating back to about 5000 B.C. in Iraq. Native Americans have been mining and utilizing the exquisite mineral for about 1000 years. The color of the turquoise depends on the minerals surrounding it. For example, blue turquoise is caused by copper; and the greener shades are caused by iron. In central Asia, it is believed that the stone kept riders from falling off their horses, which led to using turquoise for decorating horse trappings. Navajos would throw a piece of turquoise into the river while praying to the rain god if they were in need of rain. Native Americans believe that it brings protection in many different forms. Different peoples have varying beliefs about the beneficial properties of turquoise.

Click here to view some beautiful examples of turquoise.

Or visit us at the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in beautiful Las Vegas.

Mike Curtis- Bald Eagle Sculptor

2010-08-12T18:37:00.000-07:00

Mike Curtis is likely one of the top wildlife bronze sculptors in the world, if not the top bronze Bald Eagle sculptor in the world. His pieces are widely recognized across the globe. His studio is located in Northern Idaho overlooking a beautiful lake where he can observe these incredible birds of prey on a daily basis in their home environment, making it possible for him to focus on their behaviors, mating rituals and nesting habits continuously as he works.

Above: "Touchdown" Bronze Eagle Sculpture with 24K Gold and Silver - Black Granite and Walnut Base - Limited Edition - 38" H x 34" W

Mike's eagles stand out from other bronze sculptors in that he applies a sterling silver plating to the head and tail feathers of his pieces and 24k gold on the beak; this creates an eye-catching work of art. If requested he will leave it in its natural bronze finish. His pieces range in size from small busts to magnificent life-size and monument size birds that appear to be caught in time living out their daily lives.

Mike has a long list of achievements attributed to his name including having his sculptures being presented both to and by several United States Presidents. He has bronzes located at several veteran war memorials across the country, the FBI National Academy Hall of Honor, the American Embassy in China, NASCAR and countless museums and resorts proudly display his work.

Right: "Flight" Bronze Eagle Sculpture with 24K gold and Silver - Black Granite and Walnut Base - Limited Edition - 46" H x 20" W

Mike Curtis is truly a master sculptor in every sense of the word. Take a few minutes out of your day and enjoy some of Mike's pieces we have here at Indian River Gallery. You will be glad you did!

www.IndianRiverGallery.com

At the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

Another Treasure at Indian River Gallery: Michael Kirk Feather Jewelry

2010-08-02T12:25:00.000-07:00

Born of the Navajo/Isleta Pueblo, Michael Kirk is a very talented artist, very well know for his gorgeous feather design jewelry. He began his jewely designing career upon returning from Vietnam in 1971 when his older brother Andy Lee Kirk suggested he give silversmithing a try. Michael has excelled in his craft, creating his pieces by working with the relatively lost art of hand-rolled bead making, tufa casting and mosaic inlay.

Michael has succeeded in winning first place honors at the Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial, as well as Artist of the Year and Best of Division at Santa Fe Indian Market. Michael's jewelry echoes the beauty of the landscapes he grew up around and currently resides near today. The detailed, fine line engraving of each feather, creates a unique and intricately crafted piece of wearable art.

The Michael Kirk piece shown here is a 14K Gold Turquoise Inlay Bracelet.

To see more information on this piece and other Native American and Southwest fine art and jewelry please visit us at Indian River Gallery located in the Miracle Mile Shops at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas or shop online at http://www.indianrivergallery.com/.

Introducing JD Challenger

2010-07-29T18:14:00.000-07:00

We are proud to introduce one of the newest members of our family at Indian River Gallery, JD Challenger.

JD Challenger was born in Oklahoma with a creative fire that first began to smolder when he was a very young child. After moving to Taos, New Mexico, Challenger enjoyed success as an artist painting landscapes. Privately, he continued to draw and paint as he was learning about Native Americans. He was reluctant to show his paintings in public for fear of offending a people he greatly admired.

Upon witnessing a Ghost Dance ceremony being filmed for a movie, Challenger came face to face with his mission in life. "As I stood there watching the chanting and the dancing, I knew what I wanted to paint... nothing had ever been clearer." His wife, Denise, encouraged him to show his Native American friends, one of whom was a holy man. When he did so, he received their blessing and was told, "There has to be a messenger and he doesn't have to be one of our people. The Creator chooses His own messengers." Challenger takes his role seriously, but modestly declines credit for his remarkable gifts. "The thing I do best is paint. I prefer to look at it as 'not me' doing it, I'm just the instrument... The Creator,the brush, the paint, and then me."

To see more of JD Challenger and other members of the Indian River Gallery family we invite you to visit us at www.indianrivergallery.com.

Explore The Treasures of Santa Clara Pueblo

2010-07-25T11:55:00.000-07:00

The many treasures located at Indian River Gallery include the works of Margaret Tafoya's children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews of the Santa Clara Pueblo. These potters are ranked among the best in the world. Mrs. Tafoya's fourth daughter Toni Roller, for example, and her children Jeff and Cliff Roller have continued the commitment to the traditions of the pueblo and the techniques passed down through countless generations.

The process includes the gathering of clay. The cleaning and mixing process takes many hours to complete. The clay is then rolled and shaped by hand and dried to "leather hard" when it is then carved in traditional designs. More recently they have begun adding their own artistic expression.

Jeff Roller has done this with lidded vessels including sculpted animals like a buffalo or ram figure on top.

These vessels are then covered with a slip, which is a much thinner mixture of clay in a many layers as determined by the potter and then, amazingly enough, polished with river rock stones. These stones show the many hours of wear made by the hands of the potter, and in many cases, they have been passed down from other family members. They are then fired in the tradional way outside their home in a firing pit, which is the most crucial and final process for these pots.

Santa Clara Pueblo was first visited in 1541 by part of Francisco Vasquez de Coronado's expeditionary force. A mission was established in 1628 as a visita (satellite community) for San Juan Pueblo. In 1680 the inhabitants of Santa Clara took an active part in the Great Pueblo Revolt against the Spanish.

The Santa Clara Pueblo people have made their mark on the Native American pottery world. Santa Clara Pueblo is a "living" pueblo and is home to a community of highly skilled artisans famous for their black polished and red polychrome pottery. Many of these very talented artisans' pieces can be found at Indian River Gallery. Our treasures include the work of Grace Medicine Flower and her brother, Joseph Lonewolf; and Toni, Jeff and Cliff Roller.

Visit our wonderful Gallery in the Miracle Mile Shops at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas or online at www.indianrivergallery.com.

Meet Navajo Artist Thomas Jim

2010-07-22T10:28:00.000-07:00

Navajo silversmith and artist Thomas Jim is from the Big Water Clan and was taught silversmithing by his uncle, John Bedone. He began working as a jeweler in 1977.
Thomas works in contemporary gold, silver and diamond pieces along with the very traditional heavy stamped silverwork. Throughout his career as a jeweler Thomas has won many awards for his work including the prestigious "Best of Jewelry" at Gallup's Intertribal Ceremonial. He earned a reputation for quality of design and detail in his stunning jewelry boxes and won the First Prize Blue Ribbon for this spectacular heavily stamped sterling silver box, now in our collection.

As a top award winning artist Thomas uses only the finest quality stones in his work, choosing each stone for its own personality. His challenge is to work around the stone and to make it the focal point of the piece. He is a master at incorporating coral and turquoise into his pieces.

Thomas is featured in Navajo Indian Jewelry by Jerry and Lis Jacka and Southwestern Indian Jewlery by Dexter Cirillo. His jewelry has been on exhibit at the Museaum of Arts and Culture in New Mexico. He truly is an amazing artist with phenomenal talent for creating incredibly beautiful pieces of fine art.

For more information on the Thomas Jim pieces or any other of our thousands of authentic Native American Fine Art pieces we've collected over the years we invite you to visit us at www.indianrivergallery.com.

The "Lost Wax" Bronze Casing Process

2010-07-14T16:50:00.000-07:00

Indian River Gallery would like to share with you the "Lost Wax" Bronze Casting Process.

Our gallery represents several notable bronze artists including Mike Curtis, Douglas Van Howd, Bill Toma & Elie Hazak. On a daily basis, we get asked how the bronzes are created. All of our bronze artists use this process of lost wax casting.

In the third millennium B.C., "Lost Wax" bronze casting began with an artist's vision of a sculpture that had been carved out of beeswax. That artist then covered the whole sculpture with clay and cooked it in a fire. This hardened the clay while melting the wax away from the inside, replaced by an empty space. This empty space was filled with melted Tin and Copper, which are alloys of bronze. The piece would then be left to cool. Finally, the artist knocked the clay away from the metal, and thus the first bronze had been cast. This method has been used ever since to create pieces of our world's history, and artist's will continue to use the "Lost Wax" method for years to come.

Check out our selection of bronzes at www.indianrivergallery.com