A couple of weeks ago I posted some photos of the Cactus Creek Store after we re-freshed for fall.  In one of the photos we were showing off new art that we are carrying from Artist James Ayers.  He is incredibly talented and we are lucky enough to have a little interview with him here on CCD.com today…

CACTUS: Have you always been an artist?

JAMES: My art career started around Christmas when I was in the third grade. My class was instructed to draw pictures of Santa Claus and when the teacher held up my work for the class to see, dozens of kids insisted that I draw Santa for them, too.

By my junior year of high school, I was convinced that art was my calling. I made the assumption that I had to have a “safe” job, so after high school, I attended the Rhode Island School of Design and majored in commercial illustration.

My professional illustration career was short-lived. After illustrating a cookbook and a restaurant menu mat, I knew the nine-to-five commercial world was not for me. I taught school for a year and then threw myself into fine art full-time. I’ve not looked back since.

CACTUS: How do you describe your art?

JAMES: Respectful.  Because I portray historic Native American cultures, it is essential to me that the peoples I paint are accurate and authentic.

CACTUS: In what ways has your art evolved the most over the years?

JAMES: My biggest evolution was about 10 years ago, when I really began to master the use of color. I had always had a good sense of composition and the use of darks and lights, but once I learned how to achieve more with the color I use, it made my works stronger.

CACTUS: What inspires you?

JAMES: Everything! But mainly the smell of oil paints, a blank canvas, and the beauty of people and nature.

MORE AFTER THE BREAK >>>>>>>>>

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Yesterday I posted magazine pics from the mid-90’s ~ there was one series that I wanted to wait and share today, it’s this Tee Pee from a 1994 Architectural Digest Magazine that is just amazing…

The design is from Cassandra Lohr Design who has many beautiful projects in her portfolio but still features this Tee Pee as one of her greatest projects, it is easy to see why… I could play Cowboys & Indians all day long in this luxurious space!!

Cassandra Lohr also designs furniture and bedding, much of it like that seen here in the images of the Tee Pee.

For those of you who are looking for Tee Pee INSPIRED decor ~ keep looking after the BREAK BELOW >>>>
for few more sources to achieve this look…

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There are those people that are just dang near impossible to shop for… whether it’s because they have it all, or because they have a special place in your life, these are the folks for whom you really want to think outside the box.  Native American art has a significant place in our culture as it is unique to our society, but also a fading part of our history.

Three sources of Native American art follow… they’re not huge investments, that said, they are extreeeemely nice gifts.  Just a thought…

Spirit Deer Painted Drum
from AAA Native Arts Gallery

James Benally Pottery
from Cedar Mesa Pottery

Fannie King Navajo Indian Basket
from Old Territorial Indian Arts

** Click HERE for more GIFTS **

** Click HERE for our Native American GUIDE **

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I received a note from a reader who built a log home on his great Grandfather’s farm.  He said that he has a collection of Bev Doolittle’s Indian paintings and also studies Indian culture.  He would like to furnish his home with “Indian furniture, lights, paintings, etc.”  Could we make some suggestions??  Absolutely…

The most difficult part about decorating with a Native American style is the BUDGET.  Authentic Native American decor {new or vintage} is very expensive.  Each peice is an investment in a vital culture, a connection with American history that we grow further away from with each passing day.  If you can save on a few items in order to buy at least one authentic peice then you will be glad in the long run.  And, you can always replace and add to it as you live in your space, and uncover new treasures.

WALL ART
In the March 2009 issue of Cowboys & Indians
there was an Open Range story about Richard and Deborah Wadsack and their business, COWBOYS & IMAGES. Also recently featured in True West Magazine, the Wadsack’s online business features a colorful selection of Native American prints and images that are available as Custom Art Prints.

** True to it’s name, COWBOY & IMAGES also offers a beautiful collection of images featuring Cowboys, Cowgirls, Rodeo and the Wild West Shows, just to name a few. 
Click HERE to visit their Native American collection.
{There is also a Vintage Originals section if this is
where you want to purchase your investment piece!!}

RUG
A Native American rug is the quintessential requirement of a room decked out in Indian decor.  Garland’s Rugs has an exceptional assortment of both NEW and VINTAGE authentic Native American rugs.  You can use these on the floor, or hang them on the wall.

If, however, your home is filled with little people {my 3 boys & a new puppy would have no regard for the beauty of an authentic Navajo Rug}, then this is a point where you can spend less money and still have your rug be a part of your Native American style.  Click HERE to find the rug {ABOVE} for only $450!!

FURNITURE
While in Vegas for Cowboy Christmas this past December I met Ernie Apodaca of Northwest Native Designs.  A Blackfeet Indian, Ernie is influenced daily by his heritage.  The result is spectacular, hand crafted furniture that is not only comfortable, it is full of a rich heritage.  {Look for an upcoming feature story all about Ernie and his fabulous furniture.}

TABLES
I am an adoring fan of Andy Sanchez and his son Aaron, who works as his partner.  Their detailed furniture, marked with rivers of turquoise and puddles of marble, is hand crafted, piece by piece, by Andy and Aaron ~ each design finished with it’s own unique story making their furniture truly one of a kind.  The coffee table {BELOW} is one of my favorites as it doubles as a large shadow box that allows you to show off your treasures… 

For our Native theme, this is the ideal place to display Native American RELICS & ARTIFACTS.

RELICS
RELICS {aka ARTIFACTS} contribute a great deal of character to a room that is decorated in a Native American style.  When you purchase authentic items they will only appreciate in value.  The Relic Shack offers an enormous, well organized, collection of Indian Artifacts, including the Moccasins and Arrowhead {BELOW}.

COLLECTIONS
Many people who are drawn to Native American art and history use COLLECTIONS to continually fuel their desire to learn more about the history of Indian culture, along with keeping updated on the rising stars that still practice the art of their ancestors. 

For many people their COLLECTIONS are centered on Native American Indian Pottery.  Their collection may start with a small piece by a little known artist, then they slowly graduate to advanced pieces done by more influential potters. Traditional Pueblo Arts is an excellent source for learning more about Indian Pottery and choosing the right pieces for your collection.

HEADDRESS
Every room needs a statement piece, for the Native American-inspired room a Headdress is definitely going to set the tone of room.  This Double Trailer Headdress from Indian Territory is over 6 1/2 feet tall and hand crafted with stunning precision to detail.  {These folks were also in Vegas… Wow!! Truly breathtaking.}

BUFFALO ROBE
Another of my favorite sources for Native American Arts & Crafts is the Prairie Edge Trading Co. & Gallery located in Rapid City, South Dakota.  Here they honor, support and promote native artists like Evans Flammond, Sr. who painted the Buffalo Robe {BELOW}.  Buffalo Robes are another excellent way to invest in the future of the Native people while also adding something special to your Indian decor.

INDIAN LIGHTING
At the beginning of this guide I mentioned the reader who had first inquired about ideas for Native American decorating.  In his note he mentioned LIGHTS so I felt obliged to include a few options…

EL PASO SADDLEBLANKET
I’m about to unveil an enormous secret ~ a source for all of the things we’ve covered when you are on a serious BUDGET {anyone out there on a budget??}.  El Paso Saddleblanket has an unparalleled selection of RUGS, POTTERY, ARTIFACTS & BASKETS.  If you are looking for filler pieces until you can buy the real thing, then  El Paso Saddleblanket is the place to start!!

** Click HERE to see a Native American Lodge INSPIRATION Room **

** Click HERE to read more about Andy Sanchez **

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