Michael Naranjo
(1944 - Santa Clara Pueblo) |
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Graceful, fluid bronze sculptures Art Work
| Name: |
Michael Naranjo |
| Gender: |
Male |
| Place of Birth: |
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| Nationality: |
American Indian/Santa Clara Pueblo |
| Birth: |
1944 |
| Death: |
Santa Clara Pueblo |
| Website: |
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| Past Auctions: |
Click Here |
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Quick Facts
| Known For: |
Graceful, fluid bronze sculptures |
| Medium: |
Bronze |
| Method: |
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| Style: |
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| Fine Art Profession(s): |
Sculptor
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Biography
Born in Santa Clara Pueblo in 1944, Michael Naranjo was raised in Taos, New Mexico. The son of the renowned ceramic artist Rose Naranjo, siblings in his decidedly artistic family included Nora Naranjo-Morse, whose work can be seen at the Heard Museum. While making ceramics at an early age by the side of his mother, the young boy also spent much of his time in the outdoors; camping, hunting, fishing and playing baseball on an all-sibling team. The memories he stored up as a result of these experiences were to serve him well in later years.
In 1968, while fighting in the Vietnam War, Naranjo was hit by a grenade. Instantly blinded, he also suffered injuries to his right hand that rendered it practically useless. Amazingly enough, this tragedy did not destroy his lifelong ambition to become an artist. After attending a school for the blind in California, Naranjo set up solo housekeeping in Santa Fe and accepted the challenge of sculpting without sight.
The graceful, representational bronzes created by the blind sculptor impart a feeling of serenity. "Gentleness" is the word used by Naranjo to best describe his work. "My movements are slow because of I move too fast, I knock things over," he explains. "There's a gentleness to my life that probably carries over to my pieces".
President Nixon was an early admirer of the artist's work; a bronze sculpture entitled Dance of the Eagle was presented to the Chief Executive back in 1971. Almost three decades later, in 1999, the world-renowned sculptor was the first artist to be honored as the Disabled American Veteran's Outstanding Disabled Veteran of the Year.
"The artist who sees with his hands" has spearheaded all touch art exhibits around the country. One of the most popular shows, entitled Inner Visions, was staged at the Heard Museum in 2001. |
Samples of Work
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