Native Arts Update

Sometimes we forget what we have right here

In addition to writing, I also do artwork, mainly painting. I haven’t posted much on here about that. Perhaps I should. I also, however, appreciate many other types of art. And much of what I find intriguing are the carvings, weavings, and metalwork done by the native peoples right in my own country.

The pictorial weaving “Moon of the Dragonfly” by Bobbi Joe Whitehair (Diné)

I recall how one of my favorite silversmiths, Wil Vandever, passed away back in 2018. He had a unique style and I’ve been fortunate enough to procure a few of his pieces. When you’re holding an item they’ve made with their own hands they become a part of your life even if you’ve never met them.

The last five years — especially the COVID years — have been a difficult time for many native artists. People couldn’t get into the areas they lived in to determine their situation, let alone assist them in getting through any difficulties. Many don’t do social media, so you relied on the traders to inquire how they were doing and if they had new items available. For the most part, they just didn’t know. When artists could make contact outside the reservations, getting supplies for their work was impossible at times.

Their struggles have been in the back of my mind for a while now, but it was finding out that several native artists had recently passed away that spurred me to…