SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO

Sorrel Sky Gallery Announces Representation of Pioneering Hopi Bronze Sculptor Kim Seyesnem Obrzut

Transforming Tradition: Hopi Artist Kim Seyesnem Obrzut Brings the Spirit of the Hopi Woman to Bronze.

October, 2025

SANTA FE, NM – Sorrel Sky Gallery is honored to announce the representation of Kim Seyesnem Obrzut, one of the first Hopi women to work in bronze and a trailblazer who transformed tradition into timeless art. With over 43 years of experience casting bronze, Obrzut has established herself as a powerful voice in contemporary Native American art, creating works that honor ancient Hopi values while expressing universal themes of spirituality, balance, and the sacred feminine.

Born Kim Seyesnem (Hopi for "fresh living flower"), the artist holds a Fine Arts and Sculpture degree, Summa Cum Laude, from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff. Though she began her artistic journey as a traditional Hopi potter using the ancient coil method passed down through generations, Seyesnem pioneered a path into bronze casting more than four decades ago, becoming one of the first American Indian women to excel in this medium.

"The Hopi Tribe of Northern Arizona is thousands of years old," Seyesnem reflects. "I have a lifetime to fully explain my people and their history. I know many of my collectors now understand more about the women and their powerful place in Hopi history."

Her sculptures are immediately recognizable for their graceful, faceless forms, a deliberate artistic choice rooted in Hopi philosophy. "Hopi means 'the peaceful people,'" explains her daughter Krystal, who works alongside her mother. "The figures have no faces because they represent one people. Everyone is equal. We walk together as one people: one mind, one body, one spirit."

Seyesnem maintains exceptional control over her artistic process, working with a dedicated team she has personally trained since her university days. From mold-making and wax work to the final patina application, each piece benefits from decades of collaborative expertise. Her patina specialist, who began working with her at age 18, has now been with the studio for over 30 years, enabling the creation of custom colors and finishes that enhance each sculpture's narrative.

Growing up, Seyesnem watched her grandfather, a traditional kachina carver, practice his sacred art. In Hopi tradition, only men are allowed to carve kachinas, the spiritual beings central to Hopi ceremonial life. Yet young Kim observed intently, absorbing every detail. Her bronze Hopi maidens are her answer to this tradition: a powerful feminine counterpart that honors the women's equally vital role in Hopi culture and spirituality.

"This is her version of the Hopi maiden," Krystal explains. "She couldn't carve kachinas, so she created something entirely her own."

Butterflies appear throughout Seyesnem's work, carrying deep cultural significance. Poliesva ("The Place Where the Butterflies Land") is her family's Hopi name, and in Hopi culture, butterflies are honored as pollinators of corn and symbols of spring and renewal. Young, unmarried Hopi women are called butterflies and wear the distinctive "butterfly whorl" hairstyle, while married women wear their hair in braids bound with leather.

The artist's work has earned positions in museum, corporate, and private collections worldwide. She has served two terms on the Board of Directors for SWAIA (Southwestern Association for Indian Arts), which produces the prestigious Santa Fe Indian Market. Despite her success and numerous awards, Seyesnem remains characteristically humble, preferring to serve on boards and support emerging artists rather than compete for ribbons.

Seyesnem's collectors are devoted, with some owning 16 or more pieces, collecting her work much as others collect kachina dolls. Her sculptures possess a remarkable versatility, fitting seamlessly into diverse settings from traditional Southwestern homes to contemporary spaces with modern minimalist aesthetics.

Each sculpture begins with traditional Hopi pottery coils before undergoing the lost wax casting process. The finished bronzes feature the soft, peaceful lines characteristic of Hopi artistic sensibility, teaching viewers about the culture while maintaining appropriate respect for sacred traditions that remain private to the Hopi people.
Kim Seyesnem Obrzut's work is now available at Sorrel Sky Gallery in Santa Fe. Her daughter, Krystal Seyesnem, also a sculptor, continues the family's artistic legacy with her own bronze works.

About the Artist
Kim Seyesnem Obrzut holds a Fine Arts and Sculpture degree from Northern Arizona University and has been casting bronze for over 43 years. Her works appear in museums, corporate collections, and private collections worldwide. She has been featured in national magazines and published in books on Southwest Art. A member of the Hopi Tribe of Northern Arizona, Seyesnem is recognized as one of the first Hopi women and first American Indian women to work in bronze sculpture.

About Sorrel Sky Gallery

The forward-thinking approach to the art world at Sorrel Sky Gallery pairs a distinctive collection of contemporary and traditional fine art and jewelry with an unparalleled client experience. The gallery represents several acclaimed artists, including Star Liana York, Thom Ross, Ben Nighthorse, and David Yarrow. Since opening, Sorrel Sky Gallery has captured state, regional, and national attention with its commitment to diverse artistic narratives and client relationships.

High-resolution images are available upon request.

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