Sheldon Harvey
(Navajo b. 1978 – present)
Sheldon Harvey is a self-taught, up-and-coming Navajo artist from Window Rock, Arizona. Using a blending of traditional and contemporary while drawing on traditional stories, Sheldon incorporates elements of cubism and expressionism into his metal sculptures, carvings and oil paintings and experiments with representational and abstract subjects. His vision has always been to paint and sculpt ancient Navajo stories he’s known since childhood.
Sheldon Harvey's work depicts spirit beings from the Navajo creation myth and other ancient traditions. His mixed media sculptures are made with wood, fabric, feathers, stains and paint. Each unique sculpture embodies a piece of Navajo folklore and Sheldon's creative spirit.
Sheldon paints in both acrylics and oils on canvas, creating images that are sometimes representational, sometimes symbolic and always imaginative. His mixed media sculptures are based on the First World Beings in the Navajo Creation Story. According to the Navajo Creation Story, mankind has progressed through four different worlds. The first world was believed to be pitch black and filled with the Air-Spirit Beings who were insect-like. These are an interpretation of one of those Air-Spirit Beings in wood, metal, feathers and bright paints.
Sheldon Harvey's works are included in major collections throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. He has received numerous awards and honors including first place for sculpture and painting at the Santa Fe Indian Market and Best in Show for his oil painting. His innovative style has made him a much sought-after artist by collectors world-wide.
