Oil Originals: Hyrum Joe

Although Hyrum might be recognized as the son of the internationally known alabaster sculptor and bronze artist, Oreland Joe, he has certainly proved that he can stand on his own two feet. Hyrum creates some of the most visually compelling and original works of art in oil that we've seen by anyone his age. Last year he won the SWAIA fellowship and subsequently sold out at his very first Indian Market event.

We are delighted to have this opportunity to show Hyrum's work, which can be seen in only a handful of the most prestigious galleries in Colorado and New Mexico. Because of our close, personal relationship, we were lucky enough to acquire these recent originals, and we look forward to bringing you more.

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Fifteen miles west of Farmington, New Mexico, where highway slices through a huge ridge near the town of Waterflow, is the Hogback Trading Post, established in 1871 by Joseph Wheeler. Over the years the two-story octagonal building has served as a bank, mercantile store, and livestock brokerage. The original post still stands across the highway, surrounded by old machinery at the foot of the Hogback monocline. The words “Indian Curios” are still faintly visible between the broken windows.

This image harkens back to an early time when trading was an active part of every day life for most Navajos. An important event has just taken place, or is about to, as a father leads his young daughter on horseback dressed in her ceremonial clothing - probably as a result of her womanhood rites, or Kinaldaa. Hyrum has really captured the spirit of this important event and the relationship between the two figures. The detail is self evident, and the use of shadow gives life to the painting.

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