Lot 42

Joe Ben, Jr, American (B.1958), night sky with Yei figures, Navajo sandpainting, 9 1/2"H x 35"W(board measured), 16 1/2"H x 42"W(frame)

Previous image preload Next image preload

Joe Ben, Jr, American (B.1958), night sky with Yei figures, Navajo sandpainting, 9 1/2"H x 35"W(board measured), 16 1/2"H x 42"W(frame)

Estimate: $2,000 - $2,500

Starting Bid: $400

(0 Bids)


Description:

Joe Ben, Jr
American, (B.1958)
night sky with Yei figures
Navajo sandpainting
The sandpainting contains 18k gold, lapis, diamonds, and other traditional minerals.

Provenance: purchased from the Lovena Ohl Gallery in 4/91.

Biography from the Archives of askART
Joe Ben Jr. was born in 1958 to the Tacheeni Clan (Red Line Running in Water Clan) in Shiprock, New Mexico. As a child, Joe took part in traditional Navajo ceremonies that used sandpaintings. These early experiences inspired his love of art at a young age.

Joe Ben Jr. combines his reservation training with international teaching experience to create exceptional Navajo sandpaintings. The fine details in his designs are created by applying the just the right amount of pulverized pigment from between his index finger and thumb to a neutral base of sand below. He exercises deep control in his movements to create the lines and shapes that define his artwork. Hand gestures that mimic the distribution of corn meal in prayer result in impressive, soft color blending.
Joe's sandpaintings are distinguished by the intense of colors created by using natural materials from around the world. Joe uses lapis (blue) from Afghanistan, diamond (sparkle) from Australia, galena (silver sparkle) from Morocco, coal (black) from the Four Corners region, gypsum (white) from New Mexico, red and gold ochre from the south of France, azurite and chrysocolla (blue green) from southern Arizona, and numerous other greens, browns, and reds found on the Hopi and Navajo reservation.
Joe describes his art: "Through the art of sandpainting, based on the cycle of nature, I am capable of communicating my feelings and my ideas. It is through these sand paintings of Mother Earth, of Father Sky, and their children (the trees, the rivers, the birds, the divinities and us), that I can imitate the powerful work of nature. I try to use nature's aesthetic work as a part of my life and to add dimension to my existence. Finally, I hope with this art to encourage people to consider the aesthetics of nature, because that is what art is all about.... Nature, what else is there?"
Joe's son, Zach, is also following in his father's footsteps as an accomplished artist.

Source:"Joe Ben Jr.," Garland's Indian Jewelry, Web, 2018

  • Dimensions: 9 1/2"H x 35"W(board measured), 16 1/2"H x 42"W(frame)
  • Medium: Navajo sandpainting

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipping and removal are the sole responsibility of the buyer. Shipping is available by request through a third party shipping service, Shipping Saint. Please contact our office if you would like to arrange your own shipping. Buyers will not automatically receive a shipping invoice. You will be sent a separate invoice for shipping once your initial invoice is paid and your items are packed and ready to ship. Shipping is invoiced via Shipping Saint and cannot be combined with your auction invoice.
Shipping Saint can be contacted at [email protected] or via phone, 317-644-6088.
PICKUP: Pickup is by appointment only. Items are subject to storage fees if they are not removed from premises within 10 business days. If items require shipping, arrangements and removal must be completed within 15 business days.

Ripley Auctions

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $49 $5
$50 $99 $10
$100 $199 $20
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $4,999 $200
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $29,999 $1,000
$30,000 + $2,500