The name of this blog is based upon a traditional Navajo weaving song. I was drawn to Navajo weaving initally by the beauty and high degree of weaving skill embodied in the work. Very quickly however I became fascinated by the culture and cosmology of the people and the central role weaving played.
I began to build my library of Navajo weaving books and reading everything I could get my hands on. A trip to the southwest with my daughter in 2016 fed the passion.
I was visiting the places I had been reading about. The landscapes and vistas were stunning.
The Hubbell Trading Post was just as I pictured it.
Fast forward to this week. The The Gregg Museum of Art and Design had a demonstration of Navajo weaving and basket making.
The exhibit was small and informal which gave me the opportunity to watch and speak to the weaver, Mary Redmustache Kealy.
Crystal Rug, a modified Two Grey Hills pattern 1955 - 1970. Handspun yarns
Wide Ruins Weaving 1920 -1950, vegetal dyes, primarily rabbitbrush.
Handmade weaving forks
My tapestry for the ATA show in Reno, The Biggest Little Tapestry Show. Traditional wedge weave technique, with vegetal dyed wool using madder, osage orange, logwood and goldenrod.
Plus a bit of lurex for sparkle. I would love to give this small piece a Navajo name but am conflicted. The use of a Navajo name would be out of my love and passion for this culture and the art. But I am not of the culture and do not want to appropriate what is not mine.
What would you do?
Could you reference a specific Navajo artist as inspiration to raise their profile? I like the suggestions in this article: https://everydayfeminism.com/2014/08/honor-native-americans-without-appropriating/
ReplyDeleteAwesome idea. Off to check out the link.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful work Michiele! Whatever you decide will be right for you and your work.
ReplyDeleteThank you Roxie.
DeleteI really meant to get there last week while they had the demonstration and it just didn't happen.
ReplyDeleteMichele, your submission for the ATA show is lovely! And the title of this blog post is always an intriguing one for me. I grew up in Gallup, NM and I know so many tapestry weavers who weave in the Navajo style. Anyway, at some point would love to hear more of your thoughts on this question of what cultural appropriation means!
ReplyDeleteFantastic! I love it all! We lived in Arizona and enjoy visiting the west. I am such a textile lover and always find the native American works so inspirational.
ReplyDelete