I named this painting Homage to Beauty because of the deep feelings I get from the beauty that is created by the Native American people, not only through their art forms but in their way of life as a whole. These objects represent how even the very utilitarian items used in daily life were created with symbolic meaning, dignity, beauty, and great pride.
The vessel is a piece of San Ildefonso pottery dating back to the early 1900’s (approximately 1900-1918). At this time, production of utilitarian Pueblo pottery had greatly declined and only a few women were actually registered as potters by occupation. I do not know who exactly created this vessel but the unique treatment around the lip and the designs are so beautiful. These details represent the planting season. The rim depicts the plowed fields, as you move down the pot there are the rain storms, and then finally near the bottom you have the corn.
The different weavings were also done by the women and take weeks to make. The designs feature strong geometric patterns and incorporate symbolic elements such as crosses, triangles (mountains), and zigzags (lightening). Weaving is a sacred art for the Navajo people and it preserves the concept of “hozhó” which combines order, beauty, balance and harmony.
My painting represents just a few items that depict the importance of beauty in the lives of the Navajo people. Beyond the physical object, beauty can be found in their spirituality, respect and appreciation, and in their way of living.
Original painting available through King Galleries | www.kinggalleries.com | 480.440.3912 (Santa Fe), 480.481.0187 (Scottsdale)
