| In
1973, Hopi sculptor Evelyn Fredericks
came to Santa Fe, New Mexico to begin
work as a Fine Arts Librarian at the Institute
of American Indian Arts. Native American
art was about to burst on the national
conscience and many of the movement icons
were living and working in Santa Fe. One
of these was sculptor Doug Hyde, in whose
studio she began to learn the basics of
stone carving. In 1988, Evelyn began work
on her own sculpting exclusively in stone.
Evelyn grew
up at Kykotsmovi, Arizona on the Hopi
reservation. She belongs to her mother's
clan, Bamboo (Bacavi). Her father was
of the Coyote Clan. Growing up in a large
extended family has influenced her craft
directly in the form of the images that
emerge in stone and clay.
Tribal mythology,
Hopi culture and the direct experiences
of Hopi life in a time less influenced
by modern times is the reserve upon which
Evelyn draws for inspiration. "Our
home life revolved around women, their
children and all the work women do."
These images in contemporary mediums reveal
the underlying commonalities we share
as human beings. They also convey in art
the beauty and dignity inherent in native
culture.
STONE WORK
Stone or any
material you work with must be treated
as a partner in creating. I believe that
stone is alive in its own way. How do
I know this? As I work, the stone asserts
its will, so to speak, and turns out the
way it wants to. I am always surprised
when unplanned changes occur. Am I releasing
the intention of the stone, or is it an
unconscious thought brought to light?
I think it is both."
Evelyn works
in a style known as direct stone carving,
where no models are constructed initially,
The size, grain, color and shape of a
boulder will dictate where to begin. Power
tools enable her to carve quickly. In
this way, the sculpture maintains emotional
freshness and immediacy of thought. Later,
after the idea is out, details are added
and refined. Stone carving can be physically
exhausting but there is a tangible reward
to show for this labor. "I believe
the 'Blood Memory' of my ancestors are
released throughout this process. Thus,
I am connected to the past and present
at the same time.
BRONZE WORK
Evelyn began
working in bronze in 1999. Initially,
the bronzes were cast from stone images,
but recently, some have been cast from
plaster or clay models. All are limited
editions, not to exceed 50 in an edition.
All of Evelyn's bronze sculptures are
mounted on a wood base.
FAQ
How
do I order a sculpture?
Call or email.
A deposit is required. Shipping is extra.
Will
it look exactly as it is pictured?
Yes, with possibly a few variations. All
work is guaranteed.
How
long will it take to get my sculpture?
For bronze, 6-8 weeks. For stone, immediately,
if available.
Can
I visit the studio in Santa Fe, New Mexico?
Yes, but call first for an appointment
and directions.
If you would
like to make an appointment to visit Evelyn's
studio, ask any questions, or place an
order, please contact her by emailing
mail@evelynfredericks.com
or by phone at 928 734-9377.
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