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ANDERSEN KEE
Navajo Painter,
Silversmith & Sculptor
Speaking about his art does not come easily to Andersen Kee. His deep rooted artistic talents lie hidden behind a shy and softspoken exterior. Andersen Kee's creations speak for him.
Limited Edition "Touching the Past" Giclee
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A child of the Navajo reservation, Andersen himself would make a great painting. Andersen Kee was born in 1959 to a mother who was a weaver and a father who dabbled in oil painting. "My dad did a little painting and silverwork. He did everyday life scenes - people working with horses, the typical Navajo home setting, and so on. At the time I didn't think much of it. I was just a kid, but I guess that's where I got my first idea about wanting to paint."
Of high school Andersen Kee says, "I hung out quite a bit in the art class and got to be real good friends with the art teacher, Larry Giller. He took certain students and gave us special assignments beyond the normal work required. He helped me get brochures to all these arts colleges and to apply to the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe." He was accepted into the prestigious LAJA, "I liked Santa Fe. We had a lot of fun. And, the Institute was very good for me. They had a lot of good teachers and I learned a lot." His early work was often narrative - portraying scenes of buffalo hunts, Plains Indian camps, "action scenes", landscapes and so on. Slowly he shifted to dramatically lit chest-up portraits set against simple backgrounds.
Andersen Kee's subjects seem ready to draw a breath and step out from the canvas. Most of them come from his imagination, but occasionally he researches and paints httle-known historical figures. Even in his imaginative scenes, Andersen makes sure that every detail about his character's dress, hair, cultural accoutrements and possessions are all true to life. "The hair has lots to do with the look, "he noted, "how long it was wom, how it was cut and dressed."
And beyond painting, "I see my sculpture in the same light as my paintings, but the silverwork ... I simply like doing as a break from routine."
Andersen Kee's pins and pendants, like his oil portraits are compositions of simplicity-rich with traditional influences.
Through Andersen's life and art, he carries forth the living spark of those who went before and those who will follow.
"Over the last couple of years Andersen has been instrumental in the development of Dawn Wilson as a painter of note. Born and raised in Canada, Dawn's growth and talent has really started to blossom, especially with her apprenticeship this year with Ray Vinella. I am proud and honored to carry her work.
Tony Whitecrow with a giclee print of “Touching the Past” by Andersen Kee. Photo: by Jai Cross
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PRESLEY LA FOUNTAIN
Native American Sculptor
Raised in a dichotomy of two worlds, Presley was influenced by the traditional life-style & his Indian Boarding School experience of the 60's in North Dakota. He now lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with his three children, daughter Aurah & sons, Saige & Samuel.
Using rhythm, movement & shadow, Presley's sculpture captures the essence of emotion, luring onlookers through skillful simplicity.
"The Influence of being part of the modem world & also a Native American Indian has been a source of strength that enables me to keep my own personal integrity in harmony with my art. I carve deliberately without detail. I want to interpret a whole spectrum of emotions."
Presley La Fountain has been the recipient of many prestigious awards & commissions. These include the 1976 First Annual American Indian Art Show, Governor's Award from the United Tribes in Bismarck, North Dakota, & the 1986 Wheelwright Museum Award, Santa Fe, New Mexico, for the Most Promising Young Sculptor & Carver. He has received numerous awards over the 18 years he has participated in the world famous, annual Santa Fe Indian Market. In 2000, he received first place for Best Sculpture.
Presley has exhibited with some of the most important, contemporary Native American Artists who have also moved beyond tradition, with courage & universal vision. These fellow artists include: the late Earl Biss, Woody Crumbo, Sr., Michael Horse, Gordon Van Wert, Parker Boyiddle, Congressman Ben Nighthorse Campbell, Elizabeth Abeyta, Harry Fonseca, John Nieto & his brother, fellow sculptor, Bruce La Fountain. This movement evolved from the Santa Fe Indian, School & the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) & was inspired by world renown Native American Artists such as Allan Houser, Fritz Schoulder, Doug Hyde, Narsico Abeyta, T.C. Cannon, and Kevin Redstar. Presley has always considered these artists of the highest caliber & the prominent figures from this period. Having a strong cultural history, they have taken Native American tradition forward with brave ambition.
After a violent attack June 2002, just weeks before the Santa Fe Indian Market, Presley's right hand was mangled. Through amazing endurance & community support, the artist honed his ambidextrous skills, mastering carving with his left hand. He persevered to produce high quality artwork, maintaining the standard of previous years, less than three months after the injury,
"Now more than ever, / do not take for granted my skills, my life. The additional challenges that are now required to uphold the integrity of my artwork, encourage me to manifest my vision, my expression to it's fullest potential. With additional patience, I gain more focus. The physical demands of my art have not only enabled me to watch my hands change, literally, but has kept the spirit of my creativity alive. Life's undulations have not only added to the incredible, vast possibilities within my art, but also in my family & towards my part of the goodness in the world community. / am thankful for the many people who have supported my career over the years & who continue to possess a part of my life through my sculpture. "
Presley La Fountain has mastered craftsmanship & portrayed extensive emotions. After sculpting for over 25 years, he continues to refine his personal vision. Currently, Presley shares his experiences with organizations such as the Native American Rights Fund in Colorado. He has also been recognized for his support of the IAIA Museum Foundation. Presley La Fountain influences many sculptors throughout & beyond Indian Country.
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SHARON DRYFLOWER REYNA
Taos Pueblo Potter and Sculptress
A native of Taos Pueblo, Sharon Dryflower works in pottery and clay sculpture, primarily figurative works depicting blanket figurine's and her trademark, the Kasharie boy series. She has received first-place awards for her work at various native art markets across the country. She can be seen yearly at the "Santa Fe Indian Market", as well as the annual" Heard Museum Art Fair and show", in Phoenix, AZ.
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Sharon Dryflower, uses native clay bodies and many of the same techniques her ancestors used such as forming a pot with coils of micaceous clay, which is the same clay bodie used a thousand years ago as cooking ware, she also forms her sculptures in this same method and lets mother earth take over and thus a sculpture of beauty. She also incorporates new techniques, notably the Japanese style of double firing called Raku, she still pit-fires her native Taos Pueblo style mica pottery using cotton wood bark to complete the process. Later she might use horse dung or sawdust which lends her pottery to a smoky mystery. She is also one of the 10 micaceous clay masters recognized in New Mexico by the American School of Research in Santa Fe, NM. She is one of the featured artist in the book "All That Glitters" by Daune Anderson.
The Kasharie Boy Series have a special place in her career. "The boys take care of me and to me they are alive with blessing for the home and give a smile to anyone who might wonder upon them." The boys are full of life. The Kasharies are a very important part of the pueblo culture and I am blessed to be able to pass on their message of joy and humor.
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Education:
Institute of American Indian Arts, Santa Fe, New Mexico, Studies, 3- dimensional arts, museum studies
High Mesa Tech. Tumcumcarie, NM, Bronze studies
Shows:
Amercian School of Research. Permanate Collections
Red Earth Native Show and Exp
Heard Museum Student Exhibit
One women show, Albuquerque Museum
Five women exhibit, Taos Pueblo Visitors Center
Santa Fe Indian Market (1987-2000)
Taos Invites Taos (1995-1000) - 1999 best of pottery
IAIA Exhibit, Santa Fe New Mexico
Millicent Rogers, Taos Pueblo Show
Native American Wildlife Assocation
Millicent Rogers Collection
This is only a small part of all the shows, exhibits, and publications that she has been a part of.
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TERRY McCAULLEY
Cedar and Stone Sculptor
Terry McCaully is a self-taught sculptor who started carving in native cedar at age 11. Since 1991 to present he has been a full-time sculptor
Exhibits:
New Mexico Museum, 1973 New Mexico State Fair, 1973, 1974, 1983 Aspen Wind Gallery, Taos Pueblo, 1992-2000 Morningtalk Gallery, Taos Pueblo, 1992-2000 Fields Art Gallery, 1980 Taos Fall Arts Festival, Taos Open, 1991-2003, Taos Invites, 2004 Cedar and Stone Gallery, 2002-2004, Owner Private Commissions, Worldwide
Philosophy:
Sculpting involves many beautiful aspects, as do all areas of the creative spirit. It is my belief that we are created in the image of our Creator, who is the greatest artist of all. As co-creators, we honor what has already been created in its ever-changing, but in part seemingly stable forms. The spirit of creativity exists within each and everyone of us in abilities waiting to be discovered. There are so many different mediums, with their natural colors and shapes and workable contents, for us to work with! The love and desire to do any certain thing are the first and most important tools. With those two things intact, we will seek a way to find our mediums, our tools and the time to challenge ourselves and our materials. It is in our greatest challenges that our greatest potential for growth exists. The lessons that we are given through trial and error are priceless.
As our vision reaches a finished piece of work, it lives on through others' as they share in the process of creating through touching and seeing. Art is a beautiful way to enter in to the present moment, a way to tap into the infinite flow of creation, a form of prayer, meditation, and sharing as we open our hearts to the gifts that lie within. To me, learning is listening, observing and experiencing spirit. I only wish that each one of us could find our God-given gifts and follow those gifts with passion. It seems that the world would be a much more beautiful place if that could happen.
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BRYDEN BULLINGTON was born September-24, 1941 in East Los Angeles. As a budding young artist, he won the Hallmark award for best oil painting in 1959. His media has always been oil, watercolor and stained glass. He began his career as an artist in Venice Beach, Los Angeles, North Beach and San Francisco, during an American Renaissance of fine art. Bryden Bullington apprenticed in stain glass at the Cummings Glass Studio in San Francisco, worked with the Diggers and created art at the San Francisco Oracle. Bryden moved from California to New Mexico in 1970. Bryden Bullington's art exhibits have been displayed at San Geronimo, The Wine Shoppe and The Harwood. His artistic endeavor led him to Mexico for 10 years where he taught art at the Secondario in Yelapa, Jalisco. He painted many murals with the local young people's help. In Mexico, his work is exhibited in Buccerias, Gallery Uno, Archies in Puerto Vallarta and Hotel Logonitas in Yelapa. Bryden Bullington returned to Taos in 1995. With the help of his beloved wife Joan, he built a solar energy, abobe home by the Rio Grande Gorge. His current exhibits have included the Lumina Fine Arts, The Sage, Blue Moon, New Taos Library, Open Space Artist Cooperative and the Bent Tree Galleries. Bryden's six sons, one daughter and three grand children give him inspiration, strength, love and laughter.
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ZONNIE M. GORMAN The one-of-a-kind hand stitched collectable leather creations of Zonnie M. Gorman reflect the talent of a long line of artists in the Gorman family. She is the youngest sister of RC Gorman, the world-renowned artist who resides and works here in Taos. Her father is the Dr. Carl N. Gorman, who was himself an artist, teacher respected elder and one of the original Navajo Code talkers of World War II. Among other more traditional artists in the family, her great grandfather, Peshlakai ilth fini was one of the first and well-known Navajo silversmiths in the years following the Navajo's return from Fort Sumner in 1868.
Zonnie resides in Gallup, New Mexico where she is the Project Coordinator for the Circle of Light Navajo Educational Project, a non-profit organization that offers role models for Navajo youth and develops and implements cultural projects in reservation and border town communities. Zonnie is also considered a leading historian on the Navajo Code Talkers of World War II and lectures extensively throughout the country.
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DEBORAH MAYBERRY-MANDRELL uses fossils from sharks, dinosaurs, water buffalo, ancient relics and found objects to make jewelry. Here, she sifts through debris along the beach at the Falrhope Yacht Club for unique items to use to make her jewelry. Mayberry-Mandrell's eclectic Jewelry designs incorporate fossils and trading bonds from Africa, Indonesia, Nepal and China. The jewelry maker, who has an extensive bead collection aft accumulated over 20 years of trading, says two shark encounters Inspired her to create fossil jewelry.
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HARVEY BEARTRACK
Born in Oklahoma, the first born son of a Cheyenne Chief and Kiowa Princess, he was raised with the blessings of his people and continues to practice in the sweetness and love of the Great Spirit. Harvey Is also a Viet Nam Veteran Marine He has been living in Taos, New Mexico for about 20 years and is not only one of the top silversmiths in New Mexico, he is also a brother or a best fyiend to just about everyone in Taos. To get one of Harvey's pieces is a blessing and the demand for a "Harvey Belt" is so great that it keeps him in a working fren2y. He does his work the old way, taking pure silver coins, rolling and shaping and tooling them into beautiful pieces of art. I am proud to call him by brother. |
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