Fresh off the success of its Virtual Indian Market, the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts has announced its popular Winter Market will take a virtual format this year as well. The event, happening November 27 to December 11, will be hosted through the SWAIA website and will include an array of artwork just in time for the holiday season.
“The commitment of Virtual Winter Indian Market is to create another opportunity for SWAIA’s Indigenous artists to sell work and connect with collectors around the holiday gift giving season,” says SWAIA executive director Kim Peone (Colville Confederated Tribes/ Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) in a press release. “We are excited that many of our artists from around the United States and Canada, may have a first-time opportunity to participate virtually.”
Mateo Romero (Cochiti), O’gha Po’oge Sunset, oil on canvas, 48 x 48”
Artwork in array of categories will be available, including pottery, jewelry, fetishes, paintings and ornaments, which will captivate collectors of all types. As with the Virtual Indian Market, collectors and artists will have the chance to revisit the Vircadia platform “NDN World.” The virtual shopping experience allows for in-world purchases and real-time conversations with artists.
Among those participating this winter are Tim Blueflint Ramel (Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa/Comanche), Cochiti painter Mateo Romero and Zuni fetish carver Dee Edaakie.
Tim Blueflint Ramel (Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa/Comanche), Mediterranean Coral and Natural No. 8 Turquoise Necklace, adjusts from 24” to 28” with a 3 x 2” pendant
Blueflint is a respected flute maker who crafts his pieces from woods he selects for their beauty and tonality. He also has a line of jewelry that continues his desire for the highest standards of craftsmanship.
One of his newest pieces is the double warbling flute Waterbird Dreams at Morning. In describing the work, Blueflint has said, “Waterbird Dreams at the Morning is introspective in nature. The Waterbird greets us in the morning after ceremonies and prayers lasting through the darkness of night to lift our prayers skyward. It is a unique, progressive designed double warbling flute that is capable of playing seven different drone combinations, following the rule of Cartesian harmonics. Each flute may be played individually or together from a common mouthpiece. It is a study in minimalism and understated elegance. Melding the mediums of sculptural jewelry design, instrument making and concert tuning, Waterbird Dreams at the Morning showcases contrasting and complementary textures and colors of metal, wood and leather.”
Tim Blueflint Ramel (Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa/Comanche), Waterbird Dreams at the Morning, double warbling flute and display, 24 x 4½ x 14”
Edaakie has been carving fetishes since the summer of 1996 when his uncle, recognized fetish carver Gibbs Othole, taught him how to create. Since that time, he’s learned the skills and mindset to make a living from creating fetishes. Among his newest pieces is a mountain lion carved from Honduras opal, which has a stunning blue tone; he also has carved a small bear from ivory that holds a turquoise necklace. Fetishes are usually on the smaller scale, with these works measuring no larger than 4 inches in height.
Dee Edaakie (Zuni), Honduras Opal Mountain Lion, 1¼ x 1 x ½”
Contemporary painter Romero is recognized for his beautifully colored paintings that have a feeling of movement and energy. In an artist statement, he has explained, “Timeless, archaic elements of Pueblo culture are juxtaposed with contemporary abstract expressionist palette knife and brushwork. Overall, the paintings develop a rhythmic, hypnotic, trancelike feeling which is referential to the metaphysical space of the Pueblo and the dance itself.”
Along with the Virtual Winter Market, SWAIA will be highlighting its Youth Artists, those under the age of 17, throughout the month of December. There will be programming available through the SWAIA website and its social media dedicated to these young, up-and-coming artists.
Nov. 27-Dec. 11, 2020
SWAIA Virtual Winter Market
www.swaia.org
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