Zuni Fetishes by The Abstract Carvers from Sunshine Studio

While realistic carvers such as Fabian Cheama and Dan Quam delight in literal depiction of the animals they carve and excel in execution of concrete, minute detail, the abstract carvers like Melvin Sandoval, Melissa Quam, Herb Halate and Dee Edaakie are drawn to ambiguous and simplified expression.

The unusual vantage point of Dee's abstract carvings of birds, badgers and bears can often cause the eye of the viewer to linger over the carving for a minute, in order to discern the animal's contour. Dee's fondness for carving animal pairs in fluid poses that meld with the stone is particularly effective in stones such as amber and onyx.

Herb is best known for his angular walking bears in highly polish black jet, although he also carves in dolomite, pipestone and marble. The weighty, sculptural quality of his carvings is striking. Herb's uniform, signature aesthetic is understated dramatic elegance. His highly polished bears sport simple and contrastive turquoise bundles; his stylization is unmistakable.

Melvin's elegant carvings - typically badgers, horned toads, moles and birds - have minimal detail, not even eyes. Stylized geometric lines distill the essence of the animal in an unadorned aesthetic. Melvin prefers mat stones such as sandstone, pipestone, alabaster and dolomite, and often achieves added detail through perceptive use of color variations in the stone. Oftentimes his sleek, low-lying creatures are crouched in an almost defensive pose which gives them a quiet drama.

Melissa's carvings are lightly sculptural, and she typically carves smaller animals caught in a turning pose, which gives them a gentle flow and rhythm. She tends to like the more decorative stones such as lapis, malachite and labradorite.

How to Place an Order:

You may order by e-mail to sunshine@sunshinestudio.com or by phone at (800)348-9273 or (505)984-3216. The total cost of your order will be the cost of the merchandise plus $8 shipping per order. If the total cost of your merchandise is $300 or more, shipping is free. Our standard shipment method is DHL Ground in the USA. We will ship by first class mail at no additional cost if you request this option. We can use other carriers, other shipment methods, or international shipping at additional cost.

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This WWW page and all referenced images are Copyright © 1995-2008 by Sunshine Studio - Santa Fe Indian Traders, 3180 Vista Sandia, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87506, USA, or by the artist. All rights reserved. Sunshine Studio is a full member of the Antique Tribal Art Dealers Association, Inc.(ATADA), and the Indian Arts and Crafts Association (IACA). Last modified on 7-16-2008 by Arch Thiessen, Sunshine Studio Webmaster.

The Abstract Carvers: Melvin Sandoval, Dee Edaakie, Herb Halate and Melissa Quam

Preferred URL - http://www.sunshinestudio.com/Abstract_Carvers.html

Abstract Zuni Fetishes

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