ARTIST SPOTLIGHTS:
Dive deeper into the genre with these established artists
Adrian Pinnecoose (Navajo/southern Ute) www.asepdesigns.studio
Adrian Standing Elk Pinnecoose graduated from the University of New Mexico’s School of Architecture and Planning. He has a Bachelor of Arts in architecture and a Master of Science in architecture with a focus in computational ecologies. Pinnecoose’s body of work has included two-dimensional graphics, fashion and jewelry throughout the years. “My work is in a constant flux of evolution from year to year when I started doing graphic design,” says the artist. “One of the main goals for me is to highlight engagement and to draw upon social connections. I want my designs to pull you in and the more you look, the more you discover within each piece. I like to quantify my life experiences and abstraction to connect with my audience. It is important to me that one may begin to tell their own stories and experiences through my body of work.”
Gilmore Scott (Navajo (Diné)) www.gscott-tru-arts.com
Gilmore Scott—who lives near Montezuma Creek, Utah, on the Navajo Nation, in the neighborhood of Bears Ears National Monument—works in watercolors, acrylics and color pencils. At times he mixes all three mediums in a single piece. “My use of colors are strong and bold,” he says. “My images and subjects are interpretations of how I view my culture, my Dine (Navajo) heritage. My subjects are of the high desert southwest landscapes and Navajo culture. I enjoy incorporating geometric designs that Navajo rug weavers are known for and also paint the open landscape vistas of my home area. These are just a few subjects which inspire my imagination.”
Crystal Worl (Tlingit/athabascan/filipino) www.crystalworl.com
Blending classic formline designs with beadwork patterns and abstract Alaskan landscapes, Crystal Worl’s work explores themes like Indigenous identity, cultural heritage and resilience, and environmental stewardship. “Most of my imagery depicts my experiences and relationships I share with the land and animals I harvest with my family,” she says. “My work reflects a deep connection to the natural world and a commitment to environmental conservation. My artwork aims to bridge gaps between traditional Indigenous art forms and contemporary artistic practices. I like to combine traditional techniques with modern materials and approaches, creating pieces that are both rooted in tradition and relevant to contemporary audiences.”