Clara Begay, Navajo artist
I was born in the winter of 1961 in Gallup, NM. My brother and I were both raised in the small town of Thoreau, NM were I still live with my husband and three children. My clans are the Salt Clan (mother's side) and within his cover clan (father's clan). In addition to working with the Navajo Co-op as the Co-op Manager, I also am a Navajo cloth doll artist. I like to use basic tools like cloth, needle, and thread to create my art. Most of my work is hand done with only minimal use of a sewing machine. I prefer to sculpt Native American adult and child figures. It allows me to express what I see in my life in addition to providing me a chance to find out more about the traditions and history of Native Americans. I chose cloth as a medium for many reasons. I most like that it is an art form meant to be touched and felt. You can admire it without worrying about breaking it. It is also a forgiving medium that is easy to work with. When creating a new piece, I usually sculpt the face first. This process helps me figure out how the rest of the doll with look. Once the face is done the rest seems to just come naturally. I am surrounded by a talented family who give me support and provide encouragement for my creativity. My husband is a painter and my children have shown a great deal of creativity as well. They also are four critics when I need that last evaluation before sending a doll off to competition. I feel I have been influenced and inspired by the works of cloth doll artists such as Lisa Lichtenfels, Antonette Cely and Akiko Anzai. It constantly amazes me what can be created with just cloth, stuffing, needle and thread. All it takes is practice, inspiration and creativity. Click on any image below to view an enlargement, more information or place an order.
© 2002-2006 by Native American Artists United, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah.
PO Box 838, Thoreau, NM 87323 - phone (505) 862-8075 For additional information email info@nativeartistsunited.org Maintained by Holden Consulting |
