Navajo Artist

  It isn't easy to wrap one's mind around what life was like before the invention of shoes. The impetus behind all that came after was the actual and practical requirement to shield the foot from the elements. The design and fashion of footwear were inspired by the exploration and conquering of new territories, the development of new technology, and the adoption of various worldviews. Authenticity in traditional Navajo artwork is typically determined by whether or not the glaze contains pitch. The vast majority of newly made shoes are produced for commercial reasons, which has led to a revival in the Navajo shoemaking industry. The making of fancy shoes adorned with Navajo artwork is no longer restricted to traditional procedures and designs; instead, the skill develops in novel and fascinating ways. The shoes we put on our feet directly represent our personalities. The shoes we wear reflect who we are, the things we enjoy doing, and the message we want to send to the rest of t