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 >>>>>>>>>

CACTUS: How and when did you become interested in the Native American culture?

JAMES: When I first became a fine artist, I had the dream of portraying indigenous cultures from all over the world. I quickly that there was NO way I could ever hope to do that in my lifetime.

After spending two years living on reservations and learning about the indigenous cultures of North America, I discovered my calling. Over the years, I have tended to specialize further into the Great Plains and Southwest.

CACTUS: What is your creative process for creating a new piece?

JAMES: The inception of a piece is that spark of seeing something that catches my eye—it can be something small like the way light bounces off an object or some aspect of everyday activities. Sometimes, it is meeting someone that ignites an idea. 

For example, to prepare for my 2011 museum show on Navajo weaving traditions at the historic Toadlena Trading Post, I took several trips to meet the weavers, see hogans and ancient Navajo ruins, and trek through the reservation. I had so many ideas, I couldn’t wait to get them in my sketchbook.

After roughing out a sketch, then I go to my canvas and begin to paint. I work out the composition beforehand, and then develop the details right on the canvas.

CACTUS: Do you do commission work?

JAMES: Yes, on two levels.  The easiest way is when people let me know what subject matter interests them, when I paint something with that subject, I’ll offer fans “first crack” at buying the piece. There is no obligation; if they like it they can buy it, if not, they can pass.

The more technical way is a full commission where the client specifies exactly what they want the painting to portray and we undergo a contract to have me develop the work. This is a more labor-intensive process, so I charge more for these type of arrangements. I only accept one or two a year—right now I’m scheduling for 2013.

CACTUS: What are you planning for future projects?

JAMES: Right now, I’m focusing my time on portraiture. There are so many facets of historic Native American people that I still need to portray, so that will be the bulk of my upcoming work. I also plan on one or two large-scale scenes with multiple figures through the end of 2013.

CACTUS: Where can people purchase your art?

JAMES: My giclees are available at Cactus Creek! Also, you can see my originals on my website www.jamesayers.com, at one of my shows, or at Legacy Gallery in Scottsdale & Jackson Hole or Hayden Hays Gallery in Colorado Springs.

CACTUS: What has been your greatest achievement as an artist?JAMES: Two things… One, hearing from Native Americans how much they like my portrayals of their ancestral cultures. Every time I hear this kind of feedback, I feel like my path has been re-affirmed. 

Two, having one of my paintings added to the permanent collection of the famed Booth Museum of Western Art in Cartersville, Georgia. The painting, Prayers of the Shaman, was a very personal piece about healing and transition that I painted while my mother was battling cancer. So to have this piece in such a wonderful institution has been satisfying beyond measure.

CACTUS: If you weren’t an artist, what would you be?

JAMES: Archeologist or carpenter (or both!)

CACTUS: What is the perfect setting for your best creativity {time of day, weather outside, music in the air}?

JAMES: Mid- to late-afternoon with Native American music (flute, pow-wow, etc.) and minimal distractions. A sunny day also helps. 

CACTUS: What is the most important thing you are looking to convey when you create a new piece?

 JAMES: Without a doubt, emotion and spirit.  Every person depicted in my works is doing something: watching, hunting, healing, relaxing, etc. and I want people to instantly recognize the action and relate to it, too. Though we live 250 years later than the people I paint, our daily lives still have the same activities. Though we may “hunt” for information on the Internet instead of hunt for food, the human condition is the same. 

In terms of spirit, there is an underlying soul and motivation in everything we do. I try to capture this for each of my subjects.

What an amazing talent, I am so proud to have become acquainted with James and look forward to what comes next… BIG thanks!!!  fancy

** Click HERE for our NATIVE AMERICAN Guide **

 ** Click HERE for other ARTISTS **

** Click HERE for more INTERVIEWS **

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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…

Western Leather Curtains from Buckskin Lady Leathers

Reproduction Cheyenne Shield from SS&A Traders

Twisted Juniper Burl Bed from Crabapple Hills Farm

Historic Navajo Rug from Steve Getzwiller’s NavajoRug.com

 
Eagle Dancer Sofa from Northwest Native Designs

Cayuse Pillow Sham from Patricia Wolf

<<<< Bow and Arrow Floor Lamp from Western Passion

** Click HERE for our **
Native American GUIDE

** Click HERE for more **
from Northwest Native Designs

** Click HERE for more **
from Patricia Wolf

** Click HERE for more **
MERCHANDISE Links

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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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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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