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Ola Bearer - Sand Painting
by Eugene Baatsoslanii Joe
Navajo sandpainter Eugene Baatsoslanii Joe from Shiprock New Mexico depicts nature, Indian religious beliefs and lifestyles in his artwork. In 1964, Eugene started his apprenticeship with his father James C. Joe, a traditional artist who is well known for his unique sandpaintings in natural colored sands depicting traditional beliefs. From his father, Eugene learned the technique, style, and color involved in creating a painting, but more important were the stories behind the paintings. Eugene began developing his own style in search of a unique expression in sand, which would be creative and different from any other artist--a sand artist creating in contemporary modes the beauty of the ancient.
Eugene developed his style of sandpainting using only natural colors of sand to detail character studies, landscapes, and the religion and legends of the Navajos. He has preserved the culture of his people with intense dedication.
Ola Bearer comes to the live auction tonight from the collection of Walter G. and Pamela Henderson. The Hendersons purchased the painting from the Shiprock Trading Company in 1981 and the Desert Museum is honored to present this painting in remembrance of Walter's love for the Sonoran Desert and the Desert Museum. It is accompanied by Navajo Sandpaintings, a publication authored and signed by Mark Bahti and the artist, Eugene Baatsoslanii Joe.
Donated by Mrs. Walter G. Henderson and the publication is donated by Mark Bahti
