New jewelry designs inspired by “intangible sources” to be presented at Sorrel Sky Gallery
SANTA FE, N.M.: December 2, 2015; Sorrel Sky Gallery will showcase new jewelry by Ray Tracey in a One Man Show opening on February 5 with a reception for the artist from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the downtown Santa Fe gallery. The show runs through February 29, 2016.
Ray Tracey is one of today’s most recognized contemporary Navajo jewelers due to his rootedness in the Navajo jewelry tradition while firmly embracing contemporary designs and techniques. Whether using traditional materials like turquoise set in stamped silver or crafting intricate multi-stone inlays set in gold, Tracey’s inspirations come from many sources. Early in his career, he found muses in the natural world and within his Native American culture. Today, with decades of artistic production under his belt and 60+ years of living, his creativity is sourced from a deep appreciation for being alive. “As I have gotten older, life has become more dear to me,” Tracey offered. “I am now more in tune with intangible sources of inspiration.”
With gratitude as his wellspring, Tracey taps into heartfelt enjoyment for his life and his chosen art form. He especially enjoys combing the gem and mineral shows to find unique and rare cabochons –convex, rounded and polished gemstones– which he uses in his one-of-a-kind pendants, bolos, rings, bracelets and more.
Sorrel Sky Gallery owner, Shanan Campbell Wells, offered, “Ray’s knowledge coupled with his innovative approach makes him a very interesting artist,” Wells said. “We are always excited to see his newest work.”
Recently featured in October 2016 issue of Cowboys & Indians magazine, Tracey’s jewelry has been included in major exhibitions at the Heard Museum, Autry Museum, Eiteljorg Museum and in Germany and Japan. He has won Best of Show at Santa Fe Indian Market and Gallop Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial. His work is held in the collections of Natural History Museum in Los Angeles and Millicent Rodgers Museum, Taos, N.M. Tracey lives and works in Window Rock, Arizona.
Born in Ganado, Arizona, Tracey made his first piece of jewelry at ten years old. By the age of 21 he was a professional jewelry artist. Primarily self-taught, Tracey has also studied with prestigious jewelers. As an actor in Hollywood for over a decade, he furthered his creative pursuits.
Sorrel Sky Gallery’s fresh approach to Western art presents a select collection of contemporary and traditional fine art and jewelry for the discerning collector. Sorrel Sky Gallery was founded in Durango, CO in 2002 and opened its Santa Fe, NM location in 2014. It represents over 75 painters, sculptors and jewelers including bronze artist Star Liana York, painter Billy Schenck, and Ben Nighthorse, among others.