Les Namingha
Flight of
the Thunderbird
(as seen
in our ad in the Smithsonian's American Indian Magazine - NMAI)
6"H x
6½"D
Born in 1968, 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.
Les is never constrained by
any particular tradition when it comes the variety of style in
his work. Whether it be a traditional polychrome migration pattern,
or a deep redware piece with abstract designs, such as this -
Les continues to push the envelope with new and exciting designs.
Highly interpretive, this
piece depicts at least one recognizable symbol - Les' self proclaimed
"thunderbird." With its neck outstretched and wings
arched high on the pottery shoulder, the Thunderbird flies aggressively
through the air.
The abstract lines on the
obverse panel represent the Thunderbird's path of flight. His
journeys take him to the edge of the earth and back, crossing
continents and hemispheres. These lines are also indicative of
other symbols such as the pottery shards found at Sikyatki, as
well as the imaginary reservation boundaries of modern man-made
construct.
With a graceful shape, strong
shoulder, and delicate neck, this piece is truly a signature
piece of Les'. The lines are smooth and strong and the abstract
designs pronounced. It is obvious that Les spent many hours finishing
this piece, as it has a highly polished luster.
