I started painting Skye when she was just and infant so I am thrilled that I can now introduce her younger sister Breezy to all my friends and collectors. Wild and Thunder are the brothers whom I also capture on canvas. The siblings are Diné (Navajo) with Mother’s clan being ‘Cliff Dwellers’ and Father’s clan being ‘Mud Clan’. Maternal Grandfather’s clan ‘Nooda’ which is Ute tribe and paternal Grandfather’s clan is ‘Chi’shii’ which is Chiriquaha Apache.

In the painting, there is a pitch pot on the left side of Skye. This is almost a lost art; these bottles are made of, or sewed with sumac, willow, or other pliable twigs. A small loop of plaited horsehair is woven into the jar at either side. An awl is the only instrument used, and no particular care is taken to weave very closely, as the jar is rendered watertight by a covering of pinon gum over the complete inner and outer surface.

On the opposite side of the canvas are ears of corn, a sacred plant in the Navajo perspective. It provides not only food, but it also plays an important role in prayer. Corn is used to make many dishes in the Navajo culture, and it is used as sacrifices and offerings in prayers or ceremonies. The pollens and husks of corn are used for blessing and offerings for prayer. It is so important that the Navajos believe that if you lie down in a corn field, you will become sick. Corn is believed to be their second mother. Corn is their eternal mother from birth to death. The most widely known use for corn is in the coming of age ceremony for girls, where a fire pit is lined with cornhusks and the fire is cooking a large corn cake.

Both Skye and Breezy are wearing traditional Navajo clothing. The three-tiered skirts made of velveteen represent the three stages of a woman, infancy, womanhood and the elder years. The sashes are hand woven and worn under the silver Concho belts. Both girls are adorned with the squash blossom necklace, given to them in early childhood.

  • Original Painting SOLD
  • Limited Edition Giclée Prints – 30 x 40 | 24 x 32 | 18 x 24