So naturally, when one wants enrichment, a handmade gem just may be the crowning jewel.

In fact, with yearly graduations, birthdays, an anniversary, a retirement celebration, recognition awards, holidays, etc., there’s usually a desire to purchase a priceless heirloom for a family member, a special friend, and the like.

Accordingly, if you’re looking for something visually stunning and off-the-wall affordable, drop by Beverly Blacksheep’s Originals….. Navajoland’s newest treasure of premier Navajo beauty.

Blacksheep is a multi-talented award-winning Navajo artist who recently opened a gift shop of relaxed Navajo ambiance here in the Navajo Nation capital. Blacksheep Originals is where artistry and functionality combine to produce a fascinating interpretation of Navajo culture.

“Everyone keeps asking me where they can find me,” she said. The prestigious artist who has a penchant for impeccable style is constantly on the road selling her artwork, which has made it difficult to contact her. Now that she has a new outlet, she hopes people will be able to find her.

After painting large illustrations for more than 25 years, Blacksheep has downsized and diversified to cater to a new market. Although she enjoys entering her diverse media in various art shows, Blacksheep said everyone cannot afford large pieces, which is why she has designed new and smaller couture creations that burst with fiery reds, brilliant oranges, and other hints of rainbow colors.

Her remarkable palette of earth tone colors is beautifully transformed onto mugs, coasters, napkin holders, business card holders, handbags, gift baskets, plates, decorative tiles, and computer mouse pads, to name but a few.

She said her spark of inspiration began in childhood while she herded sheep in Salina Springs, Arizona, noting, “I use to draw on rocks while I herded sheep. I always liked working with my hands. In fact, I come from an artistic family. My mother and grandmother were rug weavers and my father designed leather crafts.” Blacksheep said she is primarily a self-taught artist, however, she did study interior design at Northern Arizona University for 3 ½ years then eventually became interested in studio art. She eventually developed a style of her own, which is punctuated by a blend of traditional and contemporary brush of sheer elegance.

Much to her surprise, in 1994, she became the poster artist for the Gallup Ceremonial where she illustrated a painting called Moonlight Harmony. It was a depiction of several Navajo men singing at a Enemy Way Ceremony.

Although her prize-winning piece was a portrayal of Navajo men, she said many of her paintings are about Navajo women, noting, “Navajos have a special relationship with their mother.” She has been delighting Navajos and visitors alike, but she said the Navajo people have been her largest customer base. In fact, her most popular pieces are mugs depicted with magnetic images of a Navajo basket and another mug that showcases the integrity and beauty of a Navajo woman adorned with colorful traditional Navajo attire and jewelry. The distinctive appearance of her pieces reveal a deep sacredness with her traditional Navajo upbringing.

In addition to her presence in the art world, Blacksheep is also an illustrator of several children’s books. Some of her books include”Baby’s First Laugh,” “Baby Learns about Colors,” and others.

She said her artistic style embodies a universal beauty of the Navajo people, animals, and scenery. Speaking of animals, her artwork is also distinguished by a bounty of lambs, which is prevalent in much of her work. Her mixture of elements speaks volumes about the aesthetic values of the Navajo people.

Blacksheep said artists must constantly refine and experiment with new art forms to fully explore their true potential.

In fact, she is in the process of intricately creating new images of a Navajo woman making fry bread, kneel down bread, and other paintings that symbolize the importance and elegance of Navajo women in Navajo culture. She said her images of Navajo women are a tribute to mothers and grandmothers who reflect the cornerstone of her work.

Moreover, she will soon be designing plaque awards marked with her signature breath of expression. On the horizon, she envisions entering the world of clothing and furniture.

Although it is sometimes overwhelming, she said, “It is a lot of hard work, but you have to have a passion for what you’re doing. In the end, it is very rewarding to be your own boss. I love what I do.”

Blacksheep said she hopes people see the vibrancy and beauty of the Navajo people through her highly refined pieces, which captures the enduring spirit of a forgotten time.

So when one conjures up an image of her brilliant paintings, one senses a surrealistic silhouette of the ancient past with contemporary strokes of harmonic choreography.

Blacksheep Originals….creations that are imbued with a distinctive cultural flavor that honors the timeless tradition of the Navajo people.

It is one of Navajoland’s newest destinations, and a definite must-see and buy here in the capital of the Navajo Nation. Blacksheep will have a grand opening on November 20th, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Her shop is located just off the beaten path and nestled within the Navajo Nation Shopping Center plaza in Window Rock.

For more information, Blacksheep can be reached at (928) 871-4998 or at her new website at:
blacksheeporiginals.art.officelive.com or at her email address at: blacksheeporiginals@yahoo.com
By Roberta John