Lance Yazzie

Hello, my name is Lance Yazzie, I am from the Navajo tribe. My clans are bitter water, Zuni Edgewater, my maternal grandfather is big spring, and my paternal grandfather is Mexican people clan. I began sculpting in 1990 at the age of 14. I reside on the Navajo Nation from Tuba City Arizona. I grew up around art and gravitated to different forms at an early age. I sculpt in stone and have casted sculptures into bronze as well.
Indigenous teachings and designs are a common theme highlighted in my sculptures.
Light, texture, and color are highlighted in the different forms. Cubism, figurative and abstract along with pre-Columbian influences can be seen in my work. I use many diverse types of carving stones Marble, Limestone, Onyx, Alabaster, and Granite. I find that textures and symbols can convey many messages and emotions. I thoroughly enjoy seeing reactions to my art.
Nature is my muse, hiking and camping along with nature cruises are ways that I spend time in nature. During these isolated times I can clear my mind and formulate innovative ideas. At times, the landscape can dictate new shapes and curves in a sculpture. Exploring my homeland, I can see the tie and relationship between my people and the land. The stories and songs become alive when I explore the various places on Navajo land. This process has pushed my stone carving techniques and now is being pushed into new mediums as well, Glass and bronze are new areas I want to explore, continuing the great process of art.