Arthur Holmes
Jr.
Left-handed
17 1/4"
total height
The Left Handed Kachina is
said by some to be derived from the Hualapai Nation, but other
Hopi attribute them to the Chemehuevi. He is called left handed
because his gear is reversed.
To draw an arrow from the
quiver he must use his right hand rather than his left as is
normal. The Kachina moves with strange bobbing and little choppy
steps. Despite his odd behavior, he is an excellent hunter.
"He is a favorite subject
for the carving of kachina dolls or the paiting of pictures,"
records Barton Wright.
The Left-handed kachina, Suy-ang-e-vif,
may act as a prompter in a dance or be found making odd little
bows and taking small mincing steps at the edge of a procession.
A great deal of the time he
has trouble with the Ho'-e when they appear in the same dance.
[When together], one of the usual pair keeps up a steady step
while the other points to evidence of [game] they are obviously
hunting.
- Barton Wright, Kachinas: a Hopi
Artist's Documentary (32)
Arthur Holmes Jr. is not only
a great carver, but he is an expert painter. This is something
that many people tend to overlook. The true artistic ability
of a carver is demonstrated by his skill in bringing both the
carving and the painting together.
Notice the depth created by
the shading Arthur has carefully painted in all the right areas.
It gives depth and definition to details in the hands, the sash,
the kilt and elsewhere.
Arthur Holmes Jr. is the son
of well-known Hopi carver, Arthur Holmes Sr. Both have received
recognition for their superb work in kachina carving. Highly
sought after by collectors, both Arthur Jr. and his father keep
busy producing some of the finest carvings available.
Their work can only be found
in the most discriminating collections, galleries, and museums
around the world. Arthur has truly caught his father's vision
for realistic contemporary kachina carving.
As a Hopi Kachina carver,
Arthur Holmes, Jr. has often found that the pieces he carves,
will become what they want to become. Every aspect of this piece
is detailed to the extreme. We took special notice of the hands
and fingernails. It is easy to see why Arthur Jr. is considered
by some to be the very best.
Arthur prefers to carve alone.
Many of his works are created outdoors, where he is able to relax
and find inspiration for his next piece. This approach seems
fitting since so much of the Kachina tradition involves a reverence
for the natural and animal world. This same regard for nature
and the spiritual realm is reflected in Arthur's highly detailed
and extremely realistic carvings.
Arthur has arguably surpassed
his father's ability as a carver, but being the humble person
that he is, he always denies this. As his teacher, his father
must surely be proud of the skill and artistry his son has developed.
If you're looking to add an
excellent example by one of the living-masters - here's your
chance.
