David Jensen
Deer Dancer
16 1/2"
total height
The Deer Dancer takes part
in the popular plaza kachina dances. According to Kachinas by
Barton Wright "he has power over the rain, and of course,
when he dances, he is a prayer for increase of deer.
"Usually when a group
of these dancers appear they are accompanied by a Wolf or Mountain
Lion Kachina as a side dancer. Presumably the first Deer Kachinas
were brought from Awatovi, which may be correct as they retain
a strong Rio Grande appearance.
"The position that this
kachina usually assumes when he dances is that of bending forward
at the waist and resting the front part of the body upon the
short stick that is carried in his hands."
- Barton Wright, Kachinas: a Hopi
Artists Documentary (166)
David Jensen has been carving
since 1994 after serving 4 years in the US Navy aboard the USS
Kitty Hawk during the US-Iraq conflict, Operation Desert Storm.
David first started as do most carvers by whittling with scrap
wood that fellow carver Reggie Curry would have around his carving
shed.
"He inspired me by giving
me my first piece of cotton wood root and encouraging me to give
it a try, which was my first sculpture that I sold to my uncle
Cecil Calnimptewa when he still had his gallery. With that I
purchased my first Foredom and started carving with cousins Arthur
Jr. and Arnold Holmes. They would instruct me and give me pointer
and technique. When I do get a chance I enjoy carving with them
and also with Cecil.
"I look up to fellow
clan members such as uncles Cecil, Dennis Tewa, Ros George and
Stetson Honyumptewa and cousin brothers Art Jr. and Arnold Holmes.
Every time I see their work it always amazes me and gives me
ideas and also inspires to someday be as great as they are."
David and his wife, Connie
(Fire/Masaw) have been married for 13 yrs and their son Adrian
is a young talented carver who also goes along with his dad to
the shows. David also works full time as a certified WasteWater
treatment plant operator. David is an avid hunter who enjoys
the outdoors and also spending quality time with his wife and
son.