Sculpture of Navajo man riding Harley motorcycle

Description:	This sculpture was made by the self taught Navajo artist, Delbert Buck. Highly observant, he often depicts his Navajo neighbors doing everyday activities, like riding a bike. Some sculptures characterize his family members, like his grandmother riding a chicken or his grandfather driving his truck. Many of his artworks are inspired by stories told by his mother and grandmother. He delves into political commentary through his art at times, like his sculpture depicting a donkey wearing Nike shoes racing a tortoise wearing an Uncle Sam-style hat. But, most importantly, he wants people to smile when they see his work. Delbert Buck is unusual in that he started carving at the early age of nine. He began by carving toy guns for his younger brothers. Over time, it came to him to begin carving figures. First animals, then later, animals with people. When he was 14, commercial art galleries began to acknowledge his work. Now a young adult, he is recognized as an important 20th century Navajo folk artist. While his works bring some income to his family, he is pursuing his own career. Attending college, he hopes to become a physical therapist specializing in sports due to his love of baseball, football and rodeo. His family, typical Navajo herders of sheep and goats in New Mexico, includes his parents and seven siblings. When at home, his father, sister and two brothers often help with the production of his sculptures, but the visions for the works are all Delberts.
Source:	http://www.digitalindy.org/cdm/ref/collection/tcm/id/263
Collection:	The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
Rights:	https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/;
Copyright:	Creative Commons (CC By-SA 3.0);
Subjects:	Indians of North America Indians of North America -- Southwest, New Navajo indians Navajo art Handicraft -- Southwest, New Motorcycles Harley-Davidson Incorporated Wood-carving

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