Acrylic Painter and Mixed-Media Artist: Peterson Yazzie

Also hailing from the Navajo Nation is acrylic painter and mixed media phenom, Peterson Yazzie. Peterson is the focus of our artist spotlight this month, as we exhibit nearly a dozen of his new works. When discussing his inspiration for these pieces, and the materials and methods used, he said:

"The textured mixed media pieces are created using acrylic and sand. I blend the mediums to have an impasto quality. I am always exploring new possibilities in painting, whether it's in technique, genre, or the medium. I believe a true artist will always search for that new horizon, and that is what makes art so exciting for me. I do not have a formula approach to painting, or text book process. The paintings all come from a center point of my very being, and I don't have to search high and low for my subject matter; I am simply true to what I create."

Peterson Yazzie is from Greasewood Springs, Arizona; he was born in Ft. Defiance, Arizona in 1979. Peterson is of the Mexican Clan, One Who Walks Around Clan, Red House, and Coyote Pass Clan. Peterson received a Bachelors of Fine Arts Degree from the Institute of American Indian Arts, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He has continued his education for a Masters of Fine Arts degree at the University of New Mexico.

Harrison Begay - Santa Clara Style

If there is one thing I can say about Harrison Begay, it would be that he is genuine. His work is pristine - and his technical ability is among those at the very top when it comes to deep carved, Santa Clara style pottery. Yet, he remains unassuming and consciously devoted to his craft. He quietly works while the pomp and circumstance rages on around him.

If Harrison had listened to his critics, he would have left his love for the pottery tradition behind - a long time ago.

"The earth speaks to me. It's very metaphorical. In one sense, I can appreciate the power of creation as I mold and sculpt my vessels. In another sense, I am humbled by the realization that I am like clay in the Creator's hands. He's plying me and making me grow. It's uncomfortable at times, but like a perfect pot, you just have to endure the 'fire.' Otherwise you're cast out. Good for nothing. I think my pots are an outward expression of the desire I have for a beautiful life within me, and I hope that comes across to my buyers."

Harrison spent many years married at the pueblo of Santa Clara and has raised a family that shares a mixed heritage. His son Daniel has collaborated with Harrison on many of his most avant-garde works. He has won many awards and had developed a following of collectors from around the world. One fan took out a full page ad in an Indian Market magazine just to thank Harrison and share his love and appreciation for his work.

As a close personal friend, I remember meeting Harrison for the first time more than ten years ago when he was visiting his sister and her family on the Hopi Indian reservation. He had locked his keys in the car, and without thinking, I volunteered to get them out. I didn't actually have any experience, but I had seen it done once before with a clothes hanger. With a bent wire and some luck, and a few minutes later, we had the driver door open! Ever since then, I think Harrison has been a little suspicious of how I acquired my "skills!"

I continue to look forward to our meetings, although infrequent. I usually see him once or twice a year in Utah, and then, of course, at the major shows in Santa Fe and Phoenix. He continues to impress with his deep carved and high polish pottery in black, red, and brown. His ability to contrast the matte and polished surface is incredible, and his blending of traditional and contemporary abstract Navajo designs is absolutely breathtaking.

We're delighted to represent Harrison's work, and we can't wait to see what he comes up with next!

Renaisannce Man - Todd Bordeaux (Lakota)

I first met Todd at the Heard Indian Museum Fair and Market in 2007. I remember being strictly focused on finding "new" work by artists I either hadn't seen or dealt with before. Todd was both. Being pushed and prodded - which, after all, is the custom at the Heard - I had barely enough time to grab a card and exclaim my appreciation for his work. I didn't know if he would remember me, but two weeks later when I got an email from "Lakota Shadows," I was delighted to think we might start working together.

It was Todd's encouragement that lead me to the Northern Plains Indian Art Market in Sioux Falls, South Dakota later that year. An underrated show to be sure, I was thrilled with the caliber of the artists present, and managed to walk away with the majority of the award-winners that weekend, including Todd's Best of Class (Fine Art), titled "Victory at Greasy Grass."


This beautiful ledger recaptures the past and forges into the future by combining ledger art with beadwork applique. Todd is the only artist I know of working in this manner, but his ingenuity doesn't stop there. He is well known for his humorous and satirical "Indian Time" bracelets, made from a shiny Timex shell, without its parts. Instead of hands that keep track of hours and minutes, Todd's "watch" presents a myriad of colors and dimensions, allowing both the wearer and admirer the opportunity to get lost in Indian time.

Most recently, Todd delivered a custom Buffalo knife - fashioned in the traditional manner, but adorned in a contemporary fashion with inlaid mammoth ivory and crushed pipe stone. This, he says, is taking crafts, and other ethnographic material, to the next level.

Don't be surprised to see Todd's work appearing in upcoming publications and important collections. As an advocate for Native peoples, Todd recently had the pleasure of meeting former US President Bill Clinton. Along with his political advocacy, when Todd isn't busy dreaming up new creations, you can find him working on his home in rural South Dakota, or preparing for the traditional Lakota Sun Dance where he not only participates but helps coordinate and officiate.