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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This large format painting presents a chapter from trading post history - which is where Native arts really originated. I especially liked the little burro carrying the grandmother, and the young girl in her traditional outfit. You can tell that a trip to the trading post was a special occasion - as men and women wore their best dress, and all the horses were brought along for the trip.

It was not unusual for Navajo families to come in to the trading post and spend days dealing with the resident trader at the post. They would stay in housing provided by the trading post, and deals were never rushed. Often days would be spent visiting and discussing politics or farming before the transactions ever occurred on the last day of the trip. Navajo families would gather and play games, have ceremonies with song and dance, and utilize all of the other facilities that the trading post provided, including washing, postal services, and other common conveniences.

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