Larry Yazzie
(b.1958)
A resident of Camp Verde, Arizona near the Navajo Reservation where he grew up, he depicts his native people in sculpture, often using Carrarra marble.
Yazzie studied art at Peninsula College in Port Angeles, Washington and at the institute of American Indian Arts which he graduated from with honors.
Rather than work from sketches Yazzie prefers to allow his creativity to flow freely and let the stone direct him. His artwork is often influenced by Native American stories passed down from his elders. Yazzie believes we are all spiritual beings having a human experience and that if we connect with our spiritual side we are capable of creating wonderful things.
Source: Art of the West, July/August 2005
Children of Mother Earth
Artist: Larry Yazzie (b.1958)
Description: Utah Alabaster (Year) | Dimensions: 20”h X 6”w x 5”d
The Navajo along with many other cultures have a particularly sacred relationship between its people and the land. For the Navajo, it begins at birth when an individual transitions from nourishment from their natural mother to one of nourishment by Mother Earth. And because the Navajo live between four sacred mountains, or the four sacred directions, they believe it is their responsibility to care for not only the land, but its occupants whose nourishment is derived directly from it.
Grounded in the traditions and culture of the Diné, Larry Yazzie’s Utah alabaster sculpture “Children of Mother Earth” pays homage to those beliefs and practices.
A Mother’s Love
Artist: Larry Yazzie (b.1958)
Description: Bronze & Black Stone | Bronze: 11 ½”h x 9 ½”w x 4”d; Stone: 12 ½”h x 10”w x 4½ ”d
Peace Within
Artist: Larry Yazzie (b.1958)
Description: Marble/Bronze (2002) | Dimensions: 19”h x 7”w x 7”d
“At one point in my life I went through a lot of turmoil and rebellion. This sculpture reminds me of the journey to find peace within myself, a journey that so many human beings share,” offered Larry Yazzie when asked about the origins and title of this sculpture.
“Peace Within” was one of many collaborative efforts between the artist and collector respectively. Larry’s sculptures would be reproduced in bronze and subsequently gifted by Eddie to colleagues and friends effectively supporting and promoting the talents of this gifted sculptor.
Navajo Elegance
Artist: Larry Yazzie (b.1958)
Description: Marble | Size: 22”h x 16”w
Early Morning Vision
Artist: Larry Yazzie (b.1958)
Description: Alabaster Sculpture | Size: 27”h x 15”w x 5”d
“When I experience success, I thank the Great Spirit who gave me this gift. I am proud of my heritage, and am grateful that I have been given a way to communicate the beauty and dignity of my Native American culture with others,” shared Larry Yazzie.
Each of Yazzie’s masterfully sculpted works seemingly share a common voice - one that projects dignity, endurance, cultural value, and beauty - and this alabaster piece “Early Morning Vision” clearly does just that.
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Artist: Larry Yazzie (b.1958)
Description: Alabaster Sculpture | Size: 22”h x 12”w x 9”d
Note the cultural symbolism, pride, and strength as is emblematic of Yazzie’s sculptures.
/untitled
Artist: Larry Yazzie (b.1958)
Description: Alabaster/Bronze | Size: 9”h x 11”w x 3”d
After having met sculptor Larry Yazzie, Eddie began commissioning original stone pieces that would be cast in bronze. Originally both the stone and bronze castings were gifted to business associates, those whom he served with on various committees as well as with friends. After having done so a few times, it was determined that the original sculpture and one bronze casting would remain as part of the permanent collection so that visitors may see both side by side.
Window Rock
Artist: Larry Yazzie (b.1958)
Description: Utah Alabaster | Size: 6” x 9” x 9”
Navajo Shell and Bead Choker
Artist: Larry Yazzie (b.1958)
Echo Hawk
Artist: Larry Yazzie (b.1958)
Description: Carrera Marble Sculpture | Size: 12” x 13” x 26”
