Maverick Style: Inspired by the West

Native American Treasures from OutWest

I had the pleasure of meeting Nadiya Littlewarrior at the American Indian Arts Marketplace at the Autry National Center a couple of years ago. I thought that her gourds (which she calls Spirit Vessels) were beautiful and I have wanted to feature them on Maverick Style for quite some time. Recently, Bobbi Bell of OutWest gave me the good news that several of Nadiya's Spirit Vessels are featured on their website. Finally, I can share Nadiya's work with you!

Nadiya Littlewarrior began crafting art gourds thirteen years ago when a friend of hers invited her to attend an art gourd workshop. "For the first time in my life, I felt comfortable in my own skin. As a mixed-blood Native I was never as dark as the others and often was questioned as to just how much 'Indian' I am. Finally, all of that tension melted away, and I knew exactly what I should be doing with my art from that point forward."

Nadiya's husband John Davis inspired the name of her company, reminding her that the best way to come up with a name would be to dream on it, as her ancestors did. About her art gourds, Nadiya Littlewarrior says, "They are Spirit Vessels to me, because the Creator makes the Gourd People and puts their spirit in them and I get to dress them with regalia." Thus, Spirit Vessels was dreamed into being in 1993. With a history in art and a distinctively Potowatomi Cherokee heritage, Nadiya Littlewarrior is one of today's most dedicated artists of contemporary Native American art. Her collectors span the world, and she has exhibited her art at the Southwest Museum, the Antelope Valley Indian Museum, the Satwiwa Native American Culture Center and Museum, Mallard Sheets Gallery, and the William S. Hart Park and Museum.

Featured below left is "Butterfly Races," my favorite of Nadiya Littlewarrior's Spirit Vessels. This one of a kind piece has hand strung beading with actual dream catchers made into the gourd. I have had the opportunity to see it in person and It is absolutely stunning! Woodland Creatures (right) is another exceptional art gourd. Nadiya has gathered all her favorite woodland creatures, including a bear, cougar, deer, rabbit, and racoon and lovingly captured them on this large one of a kind gourd.

If you would like to see more of Nadiya Littlewarrior's beautiful Spirit Vessels, visit the OutWest website. Nadiya will also be a featured guest on the live radio show "Around the Barn," hosted by Bobbi Bell of OutWest on KHTS 1220 AM radio on Saturday, January 28th from 9 - 10 AM Pacific Time. Just go to www.hometownstation.com and click Listen Live.

At The Autry National Center

2012 marks the 15th Anniversary of the Masters of the American West Fine Art Exhibition and Sale at the Autry National Center. This prestigious exhibition features over 75 nationally recognized artists whose work is stylistically and themactically diverse, and challenges them to exhibit their very best work.

I am really looking forward to the opening weekend of this year's Masters of the American West event, to be held on Saturday and Sunday, February 4 - 5. I have attended the opening weekend events for the past two years and have really enjoyed them. This year, Saturday events include tours of the Masters of the American West Fine Art Exhibition of over 275 works of art, a presentation by artist Dean L. Mitchell, the Awards Presentation, a Chuck Wagon Luncheon, and a documentary screening of Oreland C. Joe, Master Scuptor, followed by a Q & A session with Oreland C. Joe. The evening features a cocktail reception and fine art sale by a draw. There will also be a silent-bid process for Howard Terpning's most recent masterpiece, "Traders Among the Crow". Sunday afternoon features a presentation by artist Len Chmiel and he will also be signing his book, Len Chmeil: An Authentic Nature. These weekend events provide attendees with the rare opportunity to not only see some of the best Western art in the country, but to meet and speak to the artists in person.

The Masters of the American West weekend events are only open to those who purchase tickets in advance. You can find more information regarding how to purchase tickets on the Autry National Center website. If you are not able to attend the opening weekend events, the Masters of the American West Fine Art Exhibition will remain at the Autry through March 18. If you live in the area, or will be visiting during this time, you won't want to miss this prestigious exhibition of Western art.

Featured below are two of my favorite paintings from this year's Masters of the American West Fine Art Exhibition and Sale. "Fall Morning Glory" (left) is by Francois Koch, one of my favorite landcape artists, and "Approaching Rival" (right) is one of three beautiful paintings that will be exhibited by award winning artist Tucker Smith. I am very excited to see these paintings and many more in person on Saturday, February 4!

For more information regarding the Masters of the American West Fine Art Exhibition and Sale, visit the Autry National Center website.

Capturing the Beauty of the Animal Form

I had the pleasure of meeting artist Brandon Bailey at The Art of the American Cowboy Fine Art Show & Sale in Las Vegas last month. I had seen some of his paintings online, and was looking forward to seeing them in person. Brandon's work did not disappoint me. In fact, his depictions of horses and wildlife were even more stunning in person! I can't wait to see his new works for 2012!

As a member of the Ottawa/Chippewa tribe, Brandon Bailey credits his Native American roots for fostering a genuine reverence for nature. Wildlife art has always come naturally to him, and he has been fascinated by both art and the outdoors for as long as he can remember. Brandon began taking art classes in junior high, and it was there that he sold his first drawing for twenty dollars. During his teens, the Game and Fish Department of Wyoming gave Brandon his first commission. Since then the Game and Fish has commissioned Brandon to do many other projects, including numerous benefit and auction items.

Growing up in Wyoming, Brandon developed an intense interest in Western culture. His fascination with rodeo and the Old West began during his childhood and has continued throughout his life. From 2004 to 2006 he rode bulls competitively, as well as in the practice pen for fun. Rodeo has also found its way into Brandon's art, as he has been commissioned to create artwork for various Wyoming rodeo companies.

Brandon Bailey has won many awards in art shows across the country, and has participated in shows where he has raised thousands of dollars through art donations for the Wyoming Heritage Expo, The Moose Foundation, The Elk Foundation, The Sheep Federation and Safari Club International. Brandon's most recent achievements include being invited to participate in the Cheyenne Frontier Days Art Show and Sale in 2010 and 2011, and having a sold out show in both years. Brandon's painting entitled "Sweethearts of the Rodeo" was selected for the 2012 Cheyenne Frontier Days Poster and also received the People's Choice Award in 2011.

Currently Brandon is working on several new paintings to exhibit at the Safari Club International Show, February 1 - 4, 2012 at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. He will debut his 30" X 40" painting entitled "Noble Feigning," (below center) at the Safari Club Show, where it will be auctioned on Saturday afternoon, February 4. This spectacular painting is valued at $10,000, and will be a 100% donation to Safari Club International. If you are attending this show, you won't want to miss seeing Brandon's work!

I am also showcasing two of Brandon's other paintings that are favorites of mine. "Summer's End" (below left) is available through Mountain Trails Gallery in Sedona, AZ, along with two other beautiful equine paintings. "High Plains Drifter" was my favorite painting that Brandon exhibited at The Art of the American Cowboy Fine Art Show & Sale. I was entranced by the superb detailing of the buffalo and the brilliant blue sky! Unfortunately, this painting has been sold. However, if you visit the Brandon Bailey Fine Art website, you can see many more of Brandon's current original works as well as the shows he will be attending this year.

Fulfill Your Cowboy and Cowgirl Dreams

It's January and that means it is time for High Noon's 22nd Annual Western Americana Auction and Antique Show, which will take place January 28 and 29 in Mesa, AZ. High Noon is dedicated to preserving everything that relates to our rich Western heritage, and they work to ensure that those traditions remain woven into our lives today. The High Noon Western Americana Auction and Antique Show gives you the opportunity to embrace the people and the romance of these Western traditions.

The High Noon Western Americana Antique Show takes place January 28 and 29 at the Mesa Convention Center. You will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in shopping from over 150 nationally renowned dealers featuring the finest in Western art, Native American artistry, distinctive furnishings for your home or lodge, and clothing and accessories for every cowboy and cowgirl. Equestrians will discover the finest in saddles, bits, spurs, bridles and chaps - both historic and contemporary. The High Noon Antique Show allows you to socialize, learn, and buy from the best.

The World Class High Noon Western Americana Auction is held at 5:00 PM Saturday evening, January 28 at the Phoenix Marriott Mesa. Each year this record-breaking event features over 300 lots of the finest individual pieces and collections from consignors around the world. And this year's auction is tracking to surpass them all! From world class art in the form of saddles and spurs, to American Indian artifacts, weavings, and fine art, this sale will mark a level of richness that is already gaining worldwide attention.

This year's High Noon auction will once again feature some of the most important artifacts ever to come to market. Pancho Villa's saddle (left) is a final reminder of this notorious man and his colorful life. Covered in silver-wrapped threads and boldly domed conchos, this magnificent saddle will captivate collectors and historians alike. Montie Montana's red, white and blue butterfly boots (center) will bring a bit of Hollywood glamour to the proceedings.  Also being offered are Montie's spurs that were created by Edward H. Bohlin and appeared in numerous photographs of Montie Montana. The double mounted maker-marked parade spurs feature Bohlin's trademark cookie-cutter rowels. In the American Indian category is a pictorial beaded vest created for a Sioux child in 1890. It features two horses and an elk and is covered in gold and metal beads.

You won't want to miss the most popular Western Americana weekend gathering in the country! Visit the High Noon Western Americana website for more information regarding this exciting event, and to order an auction catalog.