10.07.23 The Power Of Three

The Power Of Three

By Rebekah Powers | October 2023

Grand masters of Native American and Contemporary Southwestern Sculpture are now represented at Chimayo Trading through their phenomenal contemporary artworks. Dwain Freeman, with “Three Women” in wood, Tim Nicola, with bronzes titled “He Did It”, and “3 Ladies with Baskets” all feature three figures engaged in some communal activity, whether it be carrying water, gathering piñon or cajoling one another, the power of three conveys a tribe, connection and shared lives.

Dwain Freeman lived in Pilar, New Mexico where he was known far and wide for his sculptures of grace and substance, a beloved local artist. The expertly carved wooden sculpture of the three women from one piece of wood stands tall as an elegant centerpiece in the gallery. The dark accent of stippled texture and patterning of robes adds dimension and context to the forms creating a visual echo that recalls the legacy passed down through generations.

Tim Nicola is a bronze sculptor who also harnesses the power of three for his compositions, commenting on native life from his experiences as a member of the Penobscot tribe in Maine. It is an interesting comparison between the bronzes of three women with baskets who hold their baskets dear, gazing intently in the same direction and the three men, one of whom looks rather judgmental, one is pointing an accusing finger and the accused has a twinkle in his eye. Nevertheless, they look good natured, well acquainted and in both sculptures, like three parts of one whole.

The power of three is a motif that reminds us of The Native American understanding that we are all connected, and that the power of the people lies not within one individual but through the tribe and clan to which they belong. Other recent sculptural acquisitions by the gallery include works by Tammy Garcia, Clifford Fragua, Kim Obrzut, Robert Rivera, Preston Singletary, Robert Yazzie, Roxanne Swentzell, Chris Tarpley and Nathan Youngblood, making Chimayo Trading the regional stronghold of Native American and Contemporary Southwestern sculpture in bronze, wood, clay and glass.

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Ranchos de Taos, NM 87557

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