Works ranging from the canvas-captured Western frontiersman roaming the dusty mountains to an American Indian's etchings in stone were featured at the recent Cowboy Artists of America Exhibition.
Sculptor Oreland Joe made his debut at the show, marking first time the CAA has featured works from an American Indian artist in its 29-year history. The annual exhibition and sale is a fund-raiser for the Phoenix Art Museum.Seven of the New Mexico native's sculptures, priced from $4,200 to $9,800, were included in the museum exhibit, and another 10 of his pieces will be displayed separately at the Pierce Fine Art Center in Scottsdale until they are sold. One of those sculptures at the Pierce gallery includes a 61-inch, 3,800-pound limestone sculpture of an American Indian mother cradling her small child, tagged at $22,000.
Joe was inducted last year as the first American Indian member of the national organization, founded in 1965 by a group of cowboy artists whose members paint, draw and sculpt works using the American West theme.
"Being the first Native American to do something, my people are proud," said the 36-year-old sculptor. "In my case, young artists are now looking toward me" for guidance and support.
Joe was born in Shiprock, N.M. His father originates from the Ute tribe; his mother from the Navajo. Joe said he was first introduced to art by his father, but he said Antonio Canova (1757-1822) influenced him the most. He first saw the sculptor's work in 1984, when he received an opportunity to attend a workshop in northern Italy.
"Canova sculpted things with detail and texture like showing socks and shoe strings," he said. "He was the best carver that ever lived. I gauge all of my work against his."