Les
Namingha is one of
the most prolific Hopi abstract artists of today. Since his youth,
Les has received valuable instruction at the hand of this grandmother
Rachel Namingha Nampeyo and his aunt Dextra Quotskuyva Nampeyo.
He is the son of Emerson Namingha
and a Zuni mother. His cousins are Dan Namingha and Hisi Nampeyo.
As you can see, his family tree reads like a "who's who"
in Hopi fine arts.
Having received a degree in
design at Brigham Young University, Les took his contemporary
training back to his traditional roots and gave life to a style
of indigenous pottery all his own. Of course his designs are
influenced by both his Hopi and Zuni background - which is probably
why his pieces are so unique.
Having exhibited in nearly
all the major shows and venues, Les has rapidly attracted the
attention of savvy collectors and gallery owners. He has received
honors and awards at the Santa Fe Indian Market and the Heard
Museum Guild Market and Show - including the Judge's Choice Award.
Les was also named as one of the "artists to watch"
in 1998 by Southwest Art Magazine.
This spectacular piece represents
Les' skill as a contemporary artist with roots deep in an age
old tradition.
His images alway incorporate
something drawing upon his tradition - yet his work is sometimes
abstract - and his occassional use of acrylic paints pushes the
envelope in pueblo pottery making.
We are proud to feature the
work of Les Namingha and we are always excited to see his newest
pieces and the progressive stance he takes in his work.
