Original Painting of Two Fawn Resting [SOLD]

Toddy was basically a self-taught artist. As a boy he was shy, as are many Navajo. He spoke very little and seemed to learn by observation. The Lippincotts at Wide Ruins Trading Post encouraged him to paint by giving him a space in the trading post that was his own, providing him with paper and paints, and leaving him alone to do his work. They technically were not able to teach him how to paint, but they did offer critical advice as they saw fit. On one occasion, foreign artists travelers to the trading post attempted to teach him, but the shy boy did not take well to it and did not paint again for several months. His one-year at the Santa Fe Indian School was no better at teaching him either. He just seemed to learn better by observation, not instruction.

The apparent only positive experience in his instruction came from his brief contacts in 1947 with the Chicago etcher James Swann. Toddy accompanied Swann on his sketching outings at Wide Ruins and later he visited him in Chicago. It was there that he made some etchings without the benefit of any formal instruction. Apparently, Swann did not attempt to teach Toddy, but instead executed etchings while Toddy observed. That sort of relationship is traditional with the Navajo. An elder performs and an apprentice observes.

Yazz reflects the peace and tranquility that exist around the Navajo Reservation. It is a very large reservation and very sparsely populated, leaving much land for the animals to enjoy without interruption from man. The restful nature of this painting is a reflection of that ideal situation.

The painting is triple-matted and framed in a nice wooden frame. Both the painting and the framing are complimentary to another piece by Yazz of fawn that is framed in the same manner. That one is our item number C2960C. They make a nice pair.

Condition: The painting is in original excellent condition. It is signed B. Yazz in lower right and dated 79.

Provenance: This painting is among a collection from the Balcomb family, formerly owners of an art gallery which they closed in 1976.