Turtle Bracelet

Sorrel Sky Gallery of Santa Fe is pleased to announce the addition of Darryl Dean Begay to the gallery’s roster of esteemed artists. Darryl is a Navajo artist who has been making jewelry, often working with his wife, Rebecca, for 17 years.

“I don’t mass produce,” Darryl says of his meticulous methods. “The thing with me is that making jewelry is more of an art form.”

Darryl shows at several of the top Native American galleries nationwide and Sorrel Sky Gallery owner Shanan Campbell Wells said she’s honored to have him join one of Santa Fe’s up and coming galleries.

“I was aware of Darryl’s work and we finally met through one of our top artists, Ray Tracey,” Wells said. “I couldn’t be happier to have such an incredible talent in our cadre of artists.”

In 2009, Darryl and Rebecca won the coveted Best of Show award at the 88th Santa Fe Indian Market. Darryl is one of the few true masters of the tufa casting process, and unlike many of his peers he has the ability to solely create each piece from start to finish. He works chiefly with high-grade turquoise and silver, but also uses coral and other gemstones and works in 18-karat gold as well. He learned the craft from his uncle, Bobby Begay, and his mentor, Raymond C. Yazzie.

“The niche I have in the art world is that I carve and inlay as well as work with the high-grade stones so I can do the majority of the work myself,” Darryl said. “What I’ve done to establish my name is to be unique and take it to the highest level I can. I think that’s one of the reasons I’ve gotten into really good galleries like Sorrel Sky.”

Darryl’s Navajo culture has a powerful influence on his jewelry, telling a story that allows ancient ceremonies and chants to live on.
“I would like people to know that as an Indigenous people, we are still holding on to our language and culture,” he said. “I know my calling and it is to create beautiful jewelry and bring joy to people. I thank God for the talent he has blessed me with.”

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 60 painters, sculptors and jewelers.
Source: PRWEB