Many generations of Native American artists have passed down their techniques and artistry in popular mediums like pottery, basket making and weaving—once serving primarily functional purposes. But one could argue that even the drawing of petroglyphs on rock and animal hide centuries ago, also served a functional and creative purpose, aiding in communication and record keeping. The arrival of resources like paper, canvas, oil and acrylic paints, along with the invention of the camera, have only furthered the artistic expression and heritage of a spiritual, connected and creative people. Throughout this section, we highlight available-to-purchase artworks created in paint, paper and photography by many talented Native artists calling upon traditional ways, while often combining a fresh take. 

 

Artist Cara Romero’s overarching inspiration is to “use photography to visually reinforce the ways we exist as contemporary Native Americans and affirms our ongoing cultures,” she says. “Sometimes I portray both future and ancestral stories to reflect the ways that traditional knowledge and storytelling continue to impact our lives. I use vibrant color, experimental lighting and photo illustration to explore ideas of how the supernatural world overlaps with our everyday lives and the beauty of our thriving cultures.” The piece pictured here is an archival print titled The Zenith, and measures 40 by 45 inches.

333 Montezuma Avenue, Suite 5  »  Santa Fe, NM 87501  »  (505) 699-2390  »  www.cararomerophotography.com

 

 

Heard Museum Shop

The original oil on linen painting Growing Up pictured here, by Karen Clarkson (Choctaw), can be found at the Heard Museum Shop in Phoenix, Arizona. The artist says, “I am extremely interested in painting women who show their beauty through determination, culture and sense of purpose. Culture, tradition, strength and empathy all are recurring themes in my paintings. Getting to know my subjects has increased my own determination to continue in this way. My art has always been about self-discovery and developing a way of communicating to others.”

2301 N. Central Avenue  »  Phoenix, AZ 85004  »  (602) 252-8344  »  www.heardmuseumshop.com

 

Sorrel Sky Gallery

“This turn-of-the-century warrior is armed with both a gun and his traditional bow, arrows and shield,” says Sorrel Sky Gallery artist Kevin Red Star (Apsaalooka) of his 60-by-48-inch acrylic painting Warrior with Big Gun – Thunderstick. “...Not knowing if he will return from battle or if this is his last venture, he wears his best: belted breechcloth, looping breastplate of small heishi beads…” 

Durango, CO  »  (970) 247-3555  »  Santa Fe, NM  »  (505) 501-6555  »  info@sorrelsky.com  »  www.sorrelsky.com

 

Jack’s Antique

“Jimmy Yellowhair is a prolific Navajo artist,” says representatives of Jack’s Antique, “and he has said that painting on leather is very meticulous and precise work because one cannot make a mistake when the hand tooling work begins…” This trio of pots showcases the artists fine attention to design, texture and composition. The painted leather and turquoise piece measures at 17¼ by 13½ inches. 

4650 N. US Highway 89  »  Flagstaff, AZ 86004  »  (928) 526-0696  »  jack@jacksantique.com  »  www.jacksantique.com

 

Adobe Gallery

In this acrylic gouache painting titled The Final Lap, Navajo Horse Race, the Diné artist Myron Denetclaw explains that “the horse race has commenced during a large ceremonial gathering. This scene follows three Navajo participants reaching the finish line at full speed. Above the participants are the sacred cloud people…Near the center of the painting is the sun deity.” The image measures 16 by 19 inches.

221 Canyon Road  »  Santa Fe, NM 87501 (by appointment)  »  (505) 955-0550  »  www.adobegallery.com

 

Zefren-M

Diné artist Zefren-M notes that “there is beauty in the proportions of the human body and there are not enough studies of males as there are of the female figure.” Using the same patterns that Zefren-M also uses for clothing, the artist creates figures that form the foundations of fashion seen in this 14-by-11-inch acrylic painting titled Ghosted—often using chaotic snippets of history and technology to paint a narrative of beauty on a backdrop of social commentary. 

(505) 320-1115  »  www.zefren-m.com

 

Antique Native American Baskets

This beautiful 36-by-49-inch watercolor painting by famous Navajo artist Baje Whitethorne features large, wildly dancing Yeis with a background of the red rock cliffs of Canyon de Chelly. “This is Baje at his peak in 1995, and one of his more significant specially commissioned works,” says reps at Antique Native American Baskets. Baje grew up on the Navajo reservation near Shonto, Arizona, among the beautiful red rock canyons and cliffs. This setting and love of storytelling is a constant in his art since he was a small child. Baje always includes his childhood hogan and his easel somewhere in his paintings.

lauree@theantiqueattic.net  »  www.antiquenabaskets.com

 

King Galleries

King Galleries, representing Santa Clara Pueblo artist Kwani Povi Winder, notes that the artist “continues to capture the realism of both person and location in her paintings. She has a distinctive style of painting with delicate brush strokes. Much like Pablita Velarde in the 1930s, Winder is a new generation, giving voice to her Santa Clara culture and family history through her paintings.” Pictured here is She Listens—an oil on canvas and gold leaf painting, measuring 30 by 15 inches.

130 Lincoln Avenue, Suite D  »  Santa Fe, NM 87501 (480) 481-0187  »  www.kinggalleries.com

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