Baje Whitethorne, Sr.
(b.1951)
Baje grew up on the Navajo Reservation near Shonto, Arizona. As a child, he was first drawn into the world of storytelling when he and his brothers would make up stories on the way to their grandmother’s house. His talent for art was apparent even in grade school, and his teachers were all supportive of his gift.
Currently, Baje resides in Flagstaff, Arizona, and he continues to pursue his childhood interests of storytelling and art. His artwork reflects his homeland and rich culture, depicting striking landscapes and the harmony of the Navajo way of life. In most of his pieces is a small folding chair, popularly regarded as Baje’s personal trademark.
Baje has illustrated eight children’s books, two of which he also authored. Among them are the Native American legends Monster Bird, Monster Slayer, and Sika and the Raven. His unique style has earned him the Western Heritage Wrangler Award from the Cowboy Hall of Fame, in addition to many other honors.
Baje’s artwork can be seen at various museums, art galleries, and private collections across the globe.
Source: Baje Whitethorne
Silent Shadows
Artist: Baje Whitethorne, Sr. (b.1951)
Description: Watercolor | Image Size: 5 ½”h x 7”w; Framed Size: 14 ¼”h x 16 ¼”w
Baje Whitethorne grew up on the Navajo Reservation near Shonto, Arizona. As a child, he and his siblings would make up stories on their way to visit their grandparents. That storytelling trait remains a constant in his art as are the reflections of his rich culture including Navajo deities such as the one portrayed. Baje has also illustrated numerous children’s books, a few of which he also authored.
Mystic One
Artist: Baje Whitethorne, Sr. (b.1951)
Description: Bronze (2002) | Dimensions: 22”h x 11”w x 9”d; Edition #11 of 30
Friends as well as professional artists, Baje Whitethorne and Oreland Joe worked collaboratively on this sculpture. At that time, Baje sought out the technical expertise his friend Oreland could provide. The EBC is of the opinion they worked quite well together!
Both artists work can be found in museums and private collections worldwide.
Sweat Lodge
Artist: Baje Whitethorne, Sr. (b.1951)
Description: Watercolor (1999) | Image Size: 18”h x 12”w; Framed Size: 28 ¼”h x 21 ¼”
“This is a traditional sweat lodge. The doorway is covered with a blanket to seal it and there are boards behind for privacy, blocking out any view within because clothing isn’t worn when inside. A fire is built and the stones gathered next to it are heated and placed inside the lodge. The second stone pile are those that have cooled and been removed from the lodge. The bucket of water next to the lodge is provided so occupants when finished inside can take a drink from the bucket. Grandfathers would spend time with the young boys in the sweat lodge teaching them the lessons and songs that needed to be learned,” shared Baje Whitethorne.
Red Canyon Pass
Artist: Baje Whitethorne, Sr. (b.1951)
Description: Watercolor (1994) | Image Size: 10”h x 14”w; Framed Size: 19 ½”h x 23 ½”w
Baje Whitethorne Sr. grew up on the Navajo Reservation near Shonto, Arizona. As a child, Baje and his siblings would make up stories on their way to visit their grandparents. That storytelling trait continues in Whitethorne’s art which is a reflection of his rich Diné (Navajo) culture and striking landscapes of the West.
“When I was a boy, my parents and grandparents brought home a new card table with six metallic blue chairs. In the summer months, I would put my face against the cool seat of the chairs. Now, I include the chair in my artwork because it reminds me of my boyhood and because it draws people into the work when they try to find it,” shared Baje.
Baje has illustrated numerous children’s books, two of which he also authored “Sunpainters” and “Father’s Boots.” Baje has received a number of honors for his work including the Western Heritage Wrangler Award from the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. His work can be found in numerous collections and museums worldwide.
Seasons of the Cold Moon
Artist: Baje Whitethorne, Sr. (b.1951)
Description: Watercolor (1992) | Image Size: 22”h x 14”w; Framed Size: 33 ½”h X 25 ½”w
Whitethorne Sr, Baje grew up on the Navajo Reservation near Shonto, Arizona. As a child, Baje and his brothers would make up stories on their way to visit their grandmother. That storytelling trait continues in Whitethorne’s art which is a reflection of his rich culture and striking landscapes as seen here in “Seasons of the Cold Moon”.
Baje has illustrated eight children’s books, two of which he also authored. Among them are stories surrounding the Native American legends of Monster Bird, Monster Slayer, and Sika and the Raven. Baje has received a number of honors for his work including the Western Heritage Wrangler Award from the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.
In addition, Baje encourages and shares his knowledge and skills with youth across Arizona and frequently at the Art of the People Fine Art Exhibitions sponsored by the Navajo Nation Shopping Centers, Inc. Navajo Nation Museum Native American Heritage Month Flagstaff, Arizona
Souls of the Canyons
Artist: Baje Whitethorne, Sr. (b.1951)
Description: Baje Whitethorne (b.1951) and Jim Jackson (b.1963)
Bronze | Bronze 24”h x 14”w x 11”d; Edition #3 of 40
Collaboratively, Navajo artist Whitethorne Sr, Baje and Modoc artist Jim Jackson created “Souls of the Canyons”. It was one of Baje’s early ventures as a sculptor and he was excited to do so alongside his friend and sculpting mentor Jim. Five Yéi, Navajo Holy People who mediate between the Great Spirit and humans, also provide healing powers and protection. Yei are often depicted in sand paintings and in weavings as well.
Edgewater Fan Dancer
Artist: Baje Whitethorne, Sr. (b.1951)
Description: Bronze (2004) | Image Size: 21”h x 11”w x 11”d; Edition #4 of 30
untitled
Artist: Baje Whitethorne, Sr. (b.1951)
Description: Watercolor (1994) | Image Size: 7 ½”h x 11”w; Framed: 18 ¼”h x 22 ½”w
Take A Closer Look – Water Drum & Chair
Artist: Baje Whitethorne, Sr. (b.1951)
Description: (1951) | Image Size: 9”h x 13”w
A Morning
Artist: Baje Whitethorne, Sr. (b.1951)
Description: Watercolor (2001) | Image Size: 12” x 18” - Framed Size 18” x 24”
The Small Canyon
Artist: Baje Whitethorne, Sr. (b.1951)
Description: Watercolor (2008) | Image Size: 14” x 20”
Purchased at Heard Indian Market March 2008
Fancy Pants
Artist: Baje Whitethorne, Sr. (b.1951)
Description: Watercolor (2007) | Image Size: 5” x 7”
Purchased At Heard Indian Market March 2008
