by Lisa Chavez-Thomas

Lisa is a member of the Pueblo of Isleta. She was born in California to parents of Native American blood and New Mexican decent. She learned about her bountiful heritage and her ancestor’s customs and beliefs from her parents and grandparents. Those teachings can be seen in the many designs she uses in her work. The reverence for the Great Spirit and other Deities, and the love and respect for nature and life can all be seen in her art.

Lisa is a self-described “pyroengraver”. She uses a wood burning tool to etch original designs into the surfaces of wood or hand-cleaned and prepared gourds. She attributes her attention to detail and artistic design to her father, who taught and guided her through years of drafting and, eventually, architectural design.

We first met Lisa at the 2007 Santa Fe Indian Market. We are very honored and proud to be the only online gallery to carry her work.

This lovely piece features butterflies and other geometric designs. Look closely for hidden shapes that are not always immediately obvious.

Signed Chavez-Thomas, Isleta.

by Alta Apachito

Alta is a local Navajo artist with a very unique style. Each doll  is detailed right down to the tips of the feathers. She uses feathers and real leather for the clothing, and adds turquoise color beadwork jewelry on each doll. The amount of detail on each doll is unsurpassed by any other artist in her field. Each doll is signed by Alta.

by Prinston Collateta

Prinston Collateta, “Drumming Boy”, was born in 1981. He is half Hopi-Tewa and part Navajo and Jemez, and is a member of the Sun Clan and Eagle Clan. Prinston began sculpting at the age of 7. He learned the art of sculpting on wood from his Father, Tom Collateta, Sr., and many other artists. Prinston also becomes more inspirational when he receives compliments on his carvings. This makes him want to continue to perfect his dolls even more.

Prinston specializes in hand carving Hopi kachina dolls from scratch. He strolls along the banks of the Rio Grande River, in search of good sizes of cotton wood root to carve his dolls from. He carves his dolls with just an ordinary pocket knife. He studies the wood that he finds then lets his imagination take over. He enjoys carving full bodied dolls like Eagle dancers and Sun face kachinas the most, because they represent his clans. Prinston signs his carvings as: P. Collateta across the top of a sunface.

by Prinston Collateta

Prinston Collateta, “Drumming Boy”, was born in 1981. He is half Hopi-Tewa and part Navajo and Jemez, and is a member of the Sun Clan and Eagle Clan. Prinston began sculpting at the age of 7. He learned the art of sculpting on wood from his Father, Tom Collateta, Sr., and many other artists. Prinston also becomes more inspirational when he receives compliments on his carvings. This makes him want to continue to perfect his dolls even more.

Prinston specializes in hand carving Hopi kachina dolls from scratch. He strolls along the banks of the Rio Grande River, in search of good sizes of cotton wood root to carve his dolls from. He carves his dolls with just an ordinary pocket knife. He studies the wood that he finds then lets his imagination take over. He enjoys carving full bodied dolls like Eagle dancers and Sun face kachinas the most, because they represent his clans. Prinston signs his carvings as: P. Collateta across the top of a sunface.

HEMIS

by Alta Apachito