Native American Representational Art: DVD/VHS videos resources
DVD/VHS videos:
Allan Houser - Haozous: The Lifetime
Work of an American Master is a 54 minute, 1998, award winning documentary
released by Allan Houser provides a thorough biographical summary as well
as displaying hundreds of his important works both as a painter and sculpture.
DVD format. Available through the Fine Arts Museum, Santa Fe.
Allan Houser: Notable New Mexican. A look at the life and art of Allan Houser. Born as Allan C. Haozous, this artist was to become known as Allan Houser, one of the 20th Century's most important artists. Allan's father was with the small band of Warm Springs Chiricahuas when their leader, Geronimo, surrendered to the U.S. Army in 1886 in the northern Mexican state of Chihuahua. At an early age Allan became interested in Apache traditions and cultural life, which he celebrated in his life's work. In 1934 a notice for an art school in Santa Fe attracted his attention, and he enrolled in the Painting School at the Santa Fe Indian School. Commonly known as the Dorothy Dunn School after its prominent teacher, Allan became its most famous student and by 1939 his work was exhibited in San Francisco, Washington D. C., and Chicago. In the same year he received a commission to paint a mural in the Department of Interior building in Washington, and its success led to a second mural commission there in 1940. In 1962 Allan joined the faculty of the newly created Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe. There he created the sculpture department and focused on three-dimensional art work. As he taught and created sculpture he integrated the aesthetics of the modernists with his narrative ideas. By the late 1960's he began exhibiting this sculpture and recognition of his unique style grew. Museums and private collectors sought out examples, and his influence became apparent on hundreds of students and other artists. In 1975 Allan retired from teaching to devote himself full-time to his own work. In the two following decades he produced close to 1,000 sculptures in stone, wood, and bronze, and emerged as a major figure on an international scale. He had nearly 50 solo exhibitions in museums and galleries in the United States, Europe, and Asia, and he continued working tirelessly until his death in 1994. Orginally broadcast on New Mexico PBS station KNME. Text courtesy of YouTube. [05:14] View the video here.
American Indian Artist: Fritz Scholder is a 30-minute video in which Fritz Scholder creates prints and paintings that depict the modern Indian's dilemma of living with tradition in modern society. The documentary also shows Scholder in his studio creating a large colorful painting in his unique style. (quote courtesy Plains Art Msueum)
American Indian Artists series 60 minute each / 1975 / PBS "The following are from a series, which portrays the skill and craft of various American Indian artists. Poet/singer Rod McKuen hosts. -
Apache Visions in Stone: Art of Allan Houser is a 25 minute video from Crystal Productions. Rooted in Apache cultural traditions, the art of Allan Houser speaks a universal language. This video explores Houser's insights into the creative process and his devotion to revealing through art the many facets of Native American culture.
Art of Navajo Weaving and The Durango Collection of Southwest Textiles, The is a 56 minute dual-film video distributed by Interpark, Cortez, CO. The Art of Navajo Weaving beautifully documents the state of Navajo weaving, looking at it's origins and, through a visit with a contemporary Navajo weaving family, it's current state. It features Isabel and Geanita John, award winning pictorial weavers. The Durango Collection, an interesting and educational film, is a tour through the Durango Collection, the most complete collection of Navajo and Southwestern weaving in the world. The Collection is a part of The Southwest Center at Fort Lewis College The film is narrated by Jackson Clark and Mark Winter. (text courtesy of petroglyphtrail.com)
Beyond Tradition: Contemporary Indian Art and It's Evolution is a 60 minute video that presents more than three hundred examples of prehistoric, historic, and contemporary American indian art. Carvings, paintings, sculptures, baskets, rugs, jewelry and pottery are interwoven with the hauntingly beautiful strains of the flute, guitar and interludes of an unforgettable new sound in Native American music as the mystical world of Indian art unfolds. The evolution of Indian art is traced through the centuries. The deeply rooted traditions that inspire contemporary artist are revealed through comparisons of their work with the art of their ancestors. The talents of Jerry Jacka are combined with leading Native American artists to present a visual feast. (text courtesy of petroglyphtrail.com)
Borderlands: Gerald Clarke, Cahuilla
Artist Crossing the Line. Of this 47 minute 2005 DVD directed by Sean
Owen, National Film Network says: "Gerald Clarke's return to the Cahuilla
reservation opens this film about his life, art and people. After his father's
death, he gave up a tenured position at East Central University in Ada,
Oklahoma and moved with his family to the Cahuilla reservation near Anza,
California. He now lives in the house he inherited from his father... This
documentary, which emphasizes contemporary perspectives, contains interviews
with Gerald, other Cahuilla tribal members--including elders--and centers
on the themes of mixed blood, adaptation to reservation life, and cultural
identity."
Charles Loloma & Helen Hardin. Presents the world famous Hopi jeweler Charles Loloma displays some of his work and discusses his heritage, and presents Helen Hardin painting sophisticated geometric patterns and traditional Indian motifs while exploring her attempt to integrate the Indian and artist parts of her self. 1988. 60 min. Video/C 1579. Available from Media Resources Center, Library, University of California, Berkeley.
Classic Maria Martinez: Native
American Pottery Maker of San Ildefonso, available from the Museum of
Fine Arts, Santa Fe. "Maria Martinez, noted Indian pottery maker demonstrates
the traditional Indian ways, beginning with the spreading of corn pollen
before clay is gathered. Also shown are the mixing of the clay, construction
of pottery, hand decorating and building of the firing mound. This National
Park Service film was a winner of CINE Golden Eagle; Certificate of Creative
Excellence, U.S. Industrial Film Festival; Certificate Salerno International
Film Festival; award second International Craft Film Festival. Running time
is 27 minutes, DVD format. Available through the Fine Arts Museum, Santa
Fe.
Daughters of the Anasazi is a 28 minute video in which "Famed Acoma potter Lucy Lewis and her daughters demonstrate their traditional methods from gathering and processing clay to forming finishing and firing. Emma and Delores explain their work and philosophy. Watching them work is a humbling experience for impatient modern techno-potters! (text courtesy of oregonpotters.org)
Fritz Scholder: American Portrait is a 30-minue video in which American abstract impressionist, Fritz Scholder describes his lifelong endeavor to "put a sense of order to the canvas." Though he grew up denying his Native American heritage, he was eventually drawn to the Indian identity and emerged a leader in American Indian Art. (quote courtesy Plains Art Msueum)
Fritz Scholder: Painting the Paradox. Explore with the artist Fritz Scholder, his world, his works and his thoughts. In the 1960's he became "the leader of a new Indian Art Movement." Travels to Cairo, Paris, New York and Sante Fe provide the background of his philosophy of living, painting and sculpting. 47 minutes. (quote courtesy Plains Art Msueum)
Golden Dawn: The Pueblo Paintings of Pablita Velarde. NewMexico PBS, April 10, 2008. This film looks at the career, inspirations, and struggles of one of New Mexico's most renown Native American artists, Santa Clara Pueblo painter Pablita Velarde. Pablita, whose Pueblo name is Tse Tsan, or "Golden Dawn." Pablita began painting at the age of 14, looking back over 60 years of work, the 75 year old painter talks about her work, her life, and the things that have inspired her. Originally broadcast on New Mexico PBS station KNME. View Part 1 [07:37], Part 2 [07:24], Part 3 [11:44]
Indian Art Through Indian Eyes. Many people come to the Southwest and see Native American art as items for the tourist trade. Indian Art Through Indian Eyes begins an important dialogue to bridge a cultural gap -- to show Indian art that has impact and is about the human spirit. Developing and showing works of leading Native American artists, the IAIA Museum has dedicated itself for over 35 years to showing the great depth and talent of Native American artists. From traditional to contemporary, the art at the IAIA Museum is both beautiful and challenging. The artworks are vital, full of heart and soul. Indian Art through Indian Eyes chronicles the growth of American Indian art and the importance of art in Native American life. Originally broadcast on New Mexico PBS station KNME. Text courtesy of YouTube. (1of3) [08:08], (2of3) [07:38], (3of3) [09:30]
Lakota Quillwork: Art and Legend. This program features Flossie New Holy Bear Robe and Alice New Holy Blue Legs, Lakota women who demonstrate the techniques of quillwork. The legends and art of Lakota porcupine quillwork, past and present, are explored. 45 minutes. (quote courtesy Plains Art Msueum)
Living Portraits: New Mexico
Artists & Writers. "This DVD is a series of three, short films.
They feature interviews with the artists, examples of their work, and footage
of places and activities important to their lives. A discussion guide accompanies
each film to assist teachers and others in fully considering the issues
raised in the films." Text courtesy of Museum of New Mexico Foundation.
Available through the Fine Arts Museum, Santa Fe.
Maria: Indian Pottery Maker of
San Ildefonso is a 27 minute video produced by National Park Service
Films and distributed by Interpark, Cortez, CO. Maria Martinez, noted Indian
pottery maker demonstrates the traditional Indian ways, beginning with the
spreading of corn pollen before clay is gathered. Also shown are the mixing
of the clay, construction of pottery, hand decorating and building of the
firing mound. Born in 1918 in the Pueblo of Santa Clara and educated at
a mission, her artistic talents were encouraged by her teachers. Through
her work at Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico, Pablita records the
traditions and legends of her ancient people so that future tribal generations
may know and understand their heritage. Here we see Pablita mixing her own
paints from natural earth- found materials, sketching in the wilderness,
teaching young Indian children. She captures on canvas, the essence and
ceremonies customs, and present day Pueblo life. Running time is 20 minutes.
A great bonus! Total DVD running time 47 min. (text courtesy of petroglyphtrail.com)
Maria Martinez: Notable New Mexican.[05:08] A look at the life and art of Native American craft artist and potter Maria Martinez, of San Ildefonso Pueblo. Few craft artists, Native American or otherwise, can claim worldwide fame and appreciation like Maria Martinez. Through her hard work and generous sharing of her pottery techniques, Maria reintroduced the art of pottery making to her people, providing them with a means of artistic expression and for retaining traditional aspects of the pueblo way of life. For nearly one hundred years, until her death in 1980, Maria was always eager to greet visitors and share her craft. Maria and her family have been and continue to be ambassadors from San Ildefonso Pueblo sharing the rich culture and heritage with the rest of the world. In this documentary, Maria's grandchildren and great grand children share their memories and appreciation for the work and legacy of this notable New Mexican. Orginally broadcast on New Mexico PBS station KNME. Text courtesy of YouTube. View the video here.
Medicine Flower, Lone Wolf & R.C. Gorman. Profiles potters Grace Medicine Flower and her brother Joseph Lonewolf, and Navajo painter R.C. Gorman. c1988. 60 min. Video/C 1578. Available from Media Resources Center, Library, University of California, Berkeley. Available from Media Resources Center, Library, University of California, Berkeley.
Native American Art: Art of Three Native Americans. 27 minutes. Available through Currier Museum of Art
On The Border: Native American Weaving Traditions of The Great Lakes and Prairie. Featuring three Minnesota artists (Francis Keahna, splitash basketry; Melvin Losh, porcupine quillworking on birchbark; and Josephine Ryan, finger weaving), this video documents the continuity of traditional American Indian arts, as well as the artists' innovations. 28 minutes. (quote courtesy Plains Art Msueum)
Pablita Velarde: An Artist and
Her People is a 20 minute video produced in 1984 by National Park Service
Films and distributed by Interpark, Cortez, CO. Pablita Velarde a native
American Indian and noted painter. Born in 1918 in the Pueblo of Santa Clara
and educated at a mission, her artistic talents were encouraged by her teachers.
Through her work at Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico, Pablita records
the traditions and legends of her ancient people so that future tribal generations
may know and understand their heritage. Here we see Pablita mixing her own
paints from natural earth- found materials, sketching in the wilderness,
teaching young Indian children. She captures on canvas, the essence and
ceremonies customs, and present day Pueblo life. This National Park Service
film was a winner of CINE Golden Eagle; Certificate of Creative Excellence,
U.S. Industrial Film Festival; Certificate Salerno International Film Festival;
award second International Craft Film Festival. (text courtesy of petroglyphtrail.com)
Persistent Women Artists. In this 28 minute 1996 program artist Betty LaDuke captures in conversations the spirit of three American women artists of diverse heritages: Pablita Verlade, Mine Okubo and Louis Mailou Jones. Their paintings, drawings, lithographs and murals reflect their experiences as Native- , Asian- and African-American women.
Sandpainting: A Navajo Tradition
is a 38 minute video produced by National Park Service Films and distributed
by Interpark, Cortez, 
CO. This ceremonial practice, steeped
in an age old sacred process, gives guidance and comfort to the navajo.
After grinding the stones and sifting the sand, a Navajo family demonstrates
the ancient rite, explaining the meaning of the sand colors and symbols.
Join Sandpainters Juanita and David Peters at their home. (text courtesy
of petroglyphtrail.com) Available through the Fine Arts Museum, Santa Fe.
Traditions and Innovations. This video examines contemporary Native American art of the region. The works of seven artists are featured: Frank Big Bear, David Bradley, Jeffrey Chapman, George Morrison, Wendy Savage, Carol Ann Smith and Leo Wilke. 45 minutes. (quote courtesy Plains Art Msueum)
Weavers: Contemporary Navajo Weaving is a 15 minute 1992 video produced by the Denver Art Museum.
What Follows: Jaune Quick-to-See Smith Features the art of Jaune Quick-to-See Smith. (collection of Joslyn Art Museum)
Note: TFAO does not maintain a lending library of videos or sell videos. Click here for information on how to borrow or purchase copies of VHS videos and DVDs listed in TFAO's Videos -DVD/VHS, an authoritative guide to videos in VHS and DVD format
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