Philander Begay
ARTISAN DETAILS
HALLMARK
Philander Begay - Sig
2002 to Present
Philander Begay - PBB
2002 to Present
TRIBE:
Navajo
STYLE:
Tufa jewelry featuring Hopi and Navajo ceremonies
FAMILY:
Begay, Darryl Dean
FIRST YEAR MAKING ART:
2002
ARTISAN INTERVIEW
How long have you been making jewelry?
I started about four years ago.
Have you always done cast work?
That is all I work with.
So have you become an expert on tufa stone?
When I first started I use to go to the supply houses and buy the tufa that most everyone was using. I learned that it was of a very low grade. Eventually I was given some from Hopi that was high grade, and now I get it for myself at the source. I will sell it sometimes to other artist that make cast jewelry.
What is your connection with Hopi?
I grew up in Tuba City, which is very close to Hopi. My friend was Hopi and we spent alot of time at his home. That is where I get many ideas for my work. I show Pueblo scenes on many of my pieces, and also incorporate the many different Kachina Dances I saw there into my work.
Your brother Darryl D. Begay has become very well known for his work, has he helped teach you?
My brother has taught me, and also my uncle Bobby Begay has shown me things. Bobby was Darryl’s teacher, he worked in the traditional style. Bobby was taught by Timmy Begay who was a student of Kenneth Begay.
Have you begun to do shows?
I once snuck in some pieces to a show my brother was invited to. I had nine pieces and they all sold.
Do you remember your first piece?
Yes, it was a bracelet that I sold to Yazzie’s Indian Art Raymond & Colina Yazzie for $65.
Do you make anymore of those $65 pieces ;-)?
No.
