Nathan Begaye, Native American Artist

Perhaps Nathan Begaye's mixed Nathan Begaye's mixed Diné of the Navajo Nation and Hopi Pueblo ancestry freed him from maintaining family stylistic traditions. This may account for his diversity of styles. His pottery stands on its own, refined in form and noted for high quality in fine line painting.

Nathan Begaye (1958-2010) was an extraordinarily talented artist. Nathan' Begaye's heritage is Navajo and Hopi and he drew upon both in his work. Some of his pottery is very Hopi in shape, style and design and others were designed with Navajo features. He devoted long hours researching both tribal traditions, especially their wealth of designs element. Biographer Dawn Reno summarized his work, "Begaye creates a variety of styles and is influenced by both modern and traditional designs."

Reference: Hopi-Tewa Pottery: 500 Artist Biographies by Gregory Schaaf.

Relative Links: Hopi Pueblo, Southwest Indian Pottery, Navajo Nation