A Native Artist Painting His Native Culture
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Time to read 3 min
A COMPELLING VOICE IN CONTEMPORARY NATIVE AMERICAN ART
Jeremy Salazar, a Navajo artist from the Eastern Agency area of New Mexico, has emerged as a compelling voice in contemporary Native American art. His journey from the rugged landscapes of the reservation to becoming a celebrated painter and community advocate is a testament to his talent, vision, and deep connection to his heritage.
Salazar's career as a Native Artist began in 2016, sparked by a desire to spend more time with his growing family and to offer a fresh perspective on Native culture. A year later, he left his job as a welder in the oil fields of South Dakota to pursue art full-time.
“There is a lot of Native art by non-Native artists. There are not too many Native artists painting about their culture. I wanted my work to be fresh, different, and suited to up-and-coming collectors."
UNIQUE STYLE COMBINED WITH INNOVATIVE TECHNIQUE
What sets Salazar's work apart as a Native Artist, is his unique blend of abstract and realism, a style influenced by his background as a welder. This unusual combination gives his work a distinctive edge, merging precision with creative spontaneity. His technique is equally innovative — he applies colors to the canvas and layers images using a concrete trowel as an oversized palette knife, creating textured and dynamic compositions.
Salazar's paintings are characterized by monochromatic foundations punctuated with vibrant pops of color. This style reflects the artist's dual nature — a meticulous perfectionist with a wild, free spirit. His childhood experiences, from training wild horses to arranging firewood with exacting precision, unconsciously weave their way into his art, adding depth and authenticity to each piece.
The subjects of Salazar's paintings span a diverse range of Native American tribes from the Southwest, Midwest, Canada, and coastal regions. By drawing inspiration from shared histories that transcend tribal distinctions, his work fosters a sense of unity among Native peoples while celebrating their unique cultural identities.
"I don't sketch my portraits out anymore. I just begin painting, often in simple, monochromatic tones, or vibrant loose swaths of color. I try to capture the soft yet serious tone in my subject's eyes, the spirit of their essence through pops of color."
BEYOND THE STUDIO AND THE CANVAS
Salazar's impact extends beyond his studio and his canvases. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he leveraged his artistic success to make a tangible difference in his community. When friends, family, and tribal members were laid off, Salazar embarked on an ambitious project. He transformed an old barn where he once trained horses into a "barndominium," employing close to two dozen people. This initiative not only provided much-needed employment but also created a space where Salazar could invite collectors and where his son could grow up experiencing the same connection to the land that shaped Salazar's childhood.
Salazar's commitment to his community is further seen in his partnership with sponsors that have aided in bringing tractor-trailers filled with water and collecting essential supplies like firewood, insulation, and stoves for his community. Over a year and a half, his team employed 18 individuals to undertake vital home updates and repairs, improving living conditions for those most in need.
In collaboration with his mother, a retired schoolteacher who leads community initiatives, Salazar also built a small community center. This multifunctional space offers support and resources for single mothers and a small library for children.
CONNECTING THE ART, THE ARTIST AND THE COLLECTOR
As Salazar's reputation as a Native Artist grows, he remains committed to working with galleries that share his vision of art as a vehicle for cultural preservation and understanding, as well as the value of investments in art, community, and culture.
He believes strongly in the importance of collectors comprehending the history and impact behind each piece, creating a meaningful connection between the artist, the artwork, and its new owner. He recognizes how this forms a cyclical blessing for all involved.
Jeremy Salazar's artistic journey is a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of Native American culture. Through his unique style and thoughtful approach, he's not only creating beautiful art but also ensuring that the faces, stories, and traditions of his people are not forgotten. In every brushstroke, Salazar paints a bridge between past and present, inviting viewers to see and appreciate the rich tapestry of Native American life.
