When the term “Western art” appears, what do you think of first? Do paintings by explorer artists George Catlin and Albert Bierstadt come to mind? Or do you think of the pottery, beadwork, and hand-dyed rugs made by the Indigenous artists of the Southwest? Perhaps...
In today’s modern world, as technology moves us along at an accelerated pace, the effort to stay present has become increasingly challenging. Our lives often require a sense of hurry, constant multitasking, and responding to endless notifications. In the midst of this chaos, art offers...
In many different ways, each issue of WA&A highlights the impact community can have on creativity. Throughout these pages, we find examples of how the Western art community can support and inspire people. For example, we see how artists build upon the lessons historic greats have...
Artists may create meaningful work, but it only makes an impact if they are willing to share it with others. Creativity cannot exist in a vacuum, and giving away one’s inner world takes bravery. Many have learned, however, that it’s worth persevering through self-doubt because that...
Western art has evolved into a vibrant genre that embraces both contemporary and traditional styles and subjects. In each issue, WA&A is honored to showcase this mix of historic greats and living visionaries. The range of topics and expressions covered under the umbrella of Western art...
The artists and architects profiled in this issue are tied to an inspiring region. Diverse as they are, they share a desire to document the West, its culture, its beauty, and the individuals who reside here. “Western traditions are still alive and well today,” says Idaho...
The exploration of the Western frontier lasted only a few hundred years, but it dramatically shaped our national identity. As historian David Hamilton Murdoch writes in The American West: The Invention of a Myth, “No other nation has taken a time and place from its...
I remember having a conversation as a college freshman with a friend who was studying painting. It was early in her career, and she was wondering about the usefulness of an artist’s statement, perhaps a bit bothered with the “busy work” of having to write...
Art can take us to unfamiliar settings, remind us of our favorite places, heighten our imaginations, or challenge our worldviews. It’s a gift to have such an array of expressions to depict and describe the human condition — all within reach to learn from, wonder...
The Western art world has much to celebrate, and here at WA&A, we’re excited to join in on the festivities. This fall, the Santa Fe Indian Market observes its 100th anniversary. As the world’s largest intertribal art market, the event brings together more than a thousand...