March 2016 featured artist: Del Curfman
Meet our newest artist, Del Curfman
New to Rogoway Turquoise Tortoise – contemporary Native American painting
Painter Del Curfman
We are pleased to introduce you to Del Curfman, our featured artist for March 2015.
Del is an extraordinary emerging artist who blends his Crow heritage, lessons from the French Impressionists, and contemporary Native American culture into an exciting body of work. Even this early into his fine art career, Del’s fluid images delight collectors through the marriage of ancient culture and a contemporary vibe.
“My biggest inspiration is my culture,” says Del. “All my work starts with family and connects to my home and my people.”
Del, a registered member of the Crow tribe, is a student at the elite Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe where he is working on a double major in Fine Art and Museum Studies. His educational pursuits help guide his work:
“Working with museum items connects history for me in time and space,” Del says. “Interacting with artifacts hundreds of years old helps shape how I communicate with my art.”
After he receives his bachelor’s degree in 2017, Del intends to pursue a graduate degree while growing his fine art career. Eventually, Del hopes to return to the Crow Agency reservation in Montana to start a community art program. Regardless of where he is on his career path, we believe that Del is an artist to watch.
“That people are responding to my work is really a credit to all the people who came before me and who influence me now,” Del says. “I feel like I am just an outlet for my people’s expression.”
We invite you to come by the gallery to see Del’s work. We think you will be as excited by this young talent as much as we are. For information about any of Del’s work, please contact the gallery.
Del Curfman painting
Del Curfman with Vice President Joe Biden in 2015
February 2016 featured artist: David K. John
Meet our newest artist, David K. John
New to Rogoway Turquoise Tortoise – renowned for contemporary Navajo painting
David K. John is an award-winning Navajo artist who began to paint in earnest in high school. Since then, he has thrilled collectors with his highly symbolic Native American imagery based upon Navajo mythology and stories.
David was raised by his great-grandfather, who imparted to the young artist the the stories and teachings of his people, the Dine. He spent much of his childhood attending and participating in healing events-from seasonal rituals to sand painting ceremonies.
One of David’s iconic images is the Yei Be Chei, an ethereal messenger to the Dine. Since exact replication of the sacred icon is taboo, David modifies the image to the satisfaction of his tribe’s spiritual leaders.
“Paint from your heart; don’t just go along with the latest fad. Your art will last longer then.” ~David K. John
David has won awards for his paintings and masks, including awards at the Inter-tribal Ceremonial in Gallup and the Santa Fe Indian Market.
“Sun Carrier” by David K. John – acrylic on canvas – 24″ x 30″
We are pleased to have David as our Featured Artist for February, 2016. You can also meet David in person and see his latest works at the gallery Friday, February 12 – Sunday, February 14.
Are you ready to add a David K. John original painting to your collection? Please contact the gallery with any questions you may have.
Contact the gallery
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