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Oscar Alexius

Perry Null Trading
When did you first get into the rodeo lifestyle?
Oscar Alexius
I was 16 when I rode a steer no horns in the Junior Rodeo. That was in high school. Then in the Pro-Am at 17 I started riding bare back.
Perry Null Trading
What was your first big rodeo?
Oscar Alexius:
The Navajo Nation Fair in Window Rock, 1968, I entered for the bare back competition, got bucked off.
Perry Null Trading
I always heard of you as a bull rider, when did you start riding the big ones?
Oscar Alexius:
I went to bulls when I was 19 years old. When I was young I always rode gentle riding horses bare back and this was my training for getting on the big bulls.
Perry Null Trading
Where did the rodeo take you?
Oscar Alexius:
After I finished high school I went to trade school in San Jose, California. I was training to become an electric draftsman. When I was out there I did some rodeo events. In 1970 I finished second in California rodeo and won $180 dollars.
Perry Null Trading
How long did you stay in California?
Oscar Alexius:
I worked out there for a year after becoming an electric draftsman. Then I came back home thinking I could find some work. I wasn’t able to find any work so started to look for something else to do. That is when I was trained to make eye glasses for the Navajo Tribe.
Perry Null Trading
Did you make glasses for a long period of time?
Oscar Alexius:
While I was doing this I was looking for something else to do. My cousin brother in Thoreau made jewelry. This was the first time I had seen jewelry being made and thought it looked good, so I asked him for a stone and silver. I made my first ring out of those pieces with out anyone showing me how.
Perry Null Trading
Is this when you started making jewelry for a living?
Oscar Alexius:
No, I still was not able to find another job so I went to Bible School in Albuquerque.
Perry Null Trading
So you are a religious person, what faith do you belong to?
Oscar Alexius:
I believe in the church way. My mother was an interpreter for a mission in Fort Defiance when I was growing up. So I was always around church and believed in that.
Perry Null Trading
So you are training for a career in church, what happened?
Oscar Alexius:
When I was in Albuquerque some of the people I went to school with asked me if I wanted to go to work. I said yes, but didn’t know where they were taking me. When we got there it was at a manufacturer place in town. The owner gave me silver to make him 10 rings, I didn’t know what I was doing and it took me a week to get them done.
Perry Null Trading
Did the rings turn out nice, or did you think that was the end of your jewelry making career?
Oscar Alexius:
When I took the 10 rings back it was at the end of the week and the owner told me to come back on Monday and see what we could do. He gave me a job, and I would work at his shop where he provided all of the tools.
Perry Null Trading
How did this arrangement work out for you?
Oscar Alexius:
After three months I went into the boss’s office and asked for a raise, I was making $3 dollars an hour. He started to laugh and said that no one had ever come into his office and asked for a raise, he gave me .50 cents extra, but told me not to tell anyone.
Perry Null Trading
So you had a good relationship with this owner?
Oscar Alexius:
Yes, after I had been working there for awhile he called me into his office and said he needed to talk. He told me that I needed to get transportation, I didn’t have a vehicle at this time and it was over 10 miles from where I was staying. He took me outside and showed me a car and told me it was mine.
Perry Null Trading
How long did you continue to work there?
Oscar Alexius:
I worked there for three years then went back home to find a job. Didn’t find anything, so I ended up in Phoenix for another three years doing repair work for a guy there. He also gave me a car because I was again without any transportation. Then I came back home and found a job that I had for 15 years, that was my longest job.
Perry Null Trading
What happened with that job?
Oscar Alexius:
The trader sold the store and I decided to go out on my own. I had made good jewelry there and he had entered me in many competitions, the State Fair and Ceremonial. My jewelry did well so I figured I could make it on my own.
Perry Null Trading
I know you are still doing bull riding, how tough is that now that you are getting older?
Oscar Alexius:
Rodeo is my sport, it feels good and the more you win the more you want to get back on. I had surgery this year on my shoulder and don’t want to think about whether or not I can still ride.
Perry Null Trading
What rodeo circuit do you compete on?
Oscar Alexius:
I belong to the Dine Land Senior Rodeo Association. In 2000 I won the best rider for bulls, they gave me a saddle, buckle, and jacket. I also serve as the Bull Riding Director.
Perry Null Trading
So, now that you are out on your own what type of style do you prefer to make?
Oscar Alexius:
It doesn’t matter, I like it all, but really like to make the big things. I made a silver airplane when silver was under $3 an ounce. I can make pieces with silver only, or with stones. I am just trying to keep up with my orders.

Darryl Dean Begay

Perry Null Trading:
How does one become such a great artist? Did you start at a young age? Amazing teachers? How?
Darryl Dean Begay:
(smiles) My uncle, Bobby Begay, asked me to help him get ready for a show in Mesa Verde, that was 1997.
Perry Null Trading:
1997? You graduated from Chinle High School in 1991 and the first time you make a piece of silver is 1997?
Darryl Begay:
I was working and going to school, just living. When my Uncle asked me to go I was very open to that. He had me carve tufa to make a bracelet and it just felt natural, felt right.
Perry Null Trading:
So the first time you make a piece of jewelry is just over ten years ago, and today you are the famous Darryl Dean Begay, Navajo tufa cast master?
Darryl Begay:
(smiles again) I had lots of breaks and some very influential people in the Native American Art Industry helped along the way.
Perry Null Trading:
You make the first piece of tufa jewelry for your Uncle, is that it, is this your one teaching lesson?
Darryl Begay:
My Uncle has been very influential in my art and was my first teacher. He learned from his brother, Timothy Begay, who made piece work for someone else and didn't use his own stamp. Timothy was very talented and had learned jewelry making from Kenneth Begay, while he was teaching at Navajo Community College.
Perry Null Trading:
The, Kenneth Begay?
Darryl Begay:
Yes, I believe he was one of the most innovative jewelry artists of all-time.
Perry Null Trading:
Back to your Uncle, Bobby, does he still make jewelry?
Darryl Begay:
He says he is going to start again. He became a substance abuse counselor and has done that fulltime.
Perry Null Trading:
Lets get back to 1997. You have now made your first piece of tufa jewelry, it feels right, what do you do next?
Darryl Begay:
I had expressed to my Uncle that this is what I wanted to do. He asked me if I wanted to be a production artists making lots of jewelry, or wanted to think about what I was going to make and put my energy and soul into the work. I wanted my art to come from the heart. So I started experimenting and making silver that came from my experiences and life.
Perry Null Trading:
You talked about getting breaks and influential people, how does this play into your jewelry making?
Darryl Begay:
I have had lots of big breaks and many great people have helped me along the way. The first person I think of is Navajo artist Raymond Yazzie who played a very influential role and my wanting to become an artist. He took me in as a friend and showed me things, like where he worked and how he worked. Raymond taught me how to inlay, lapidary work. Also, stones and quality. I always pick the best possible stones to put into my work, like Raymond.
Perry Null Trading:
How about making a living, you're an artist now. Are you living the typical struggling artists life?
Darryl Begay:
Another big break (smiles a third time). Peggy Lanning owns the Turquoise Tortoise Art Gallery in Sedona, she carries big names, and she would buy my early work.
Perry Null Trading:
I am still having trouble grasping the time frames. I remember being at Indian Market in the early 2000s and you are a recognized artist, how did you get there so quick?
Darryl Begay:
(smiles with a chuckle) When I started making jewelry and knew that this is what I wanted I read about the Santa Fe Indian Market Show. I knew that I wanted to do this and mailed my application in for the 1999 show.
Perry Null Trading:
So you have only been making jewelry for a year, read about one of the Industries most prestigious art shows, and say "hey I want to do that!"?
Darryl Begay:
I had to send them pictures of my work. Another big break (laughs) they really were impressed with a buckle I had made. It was a mountain scene and I had put some inlay work in the piece, before I had my instruction from Raymond. It just worked, my style was different then they had seen and the inlay was unrefined (raw), that works with my tufa style.
Perry Null Trading:
OK, so how about before the one year art struggle, what else is going on in your life?
Darryl Begay:
1997 is a big year for me, I become an artist and I meet my future wife, Rebecca, while at Northern Arizona Univeristy.
Perry Null Trading:
Now you have houseful? How many children do you have?
Darryl Begay:
I have three sons, Robert is 5, Nathan is 8, and Matthew is 10.
Perry Null Trading:
Are they going to be artists like their parents?

Darryl Begay:
Matthew and Nathan have both shown in Children's Category at Indian Market. Matthew won a ribbon for a dinosaur buckle, and Nathan a ribbon for a train belt.
Perry Null Trading:
That's great. How about your style, when I see your work I can always tell it is yours. How did you come about this style?
Darryl Begay:
I don't like to think of my work as a certain style. I am open to making things that involve multiple techniques, experiment, and find those new ways of expressing myself through the metal and stone. When I first started I had friends who told me how important it was to have an original style, that is how I think of my work.
Perry Null Trading:
When I think of your work I always think of pieces that incorporate your Navajo culture into it. Do you do that for a reason?
Darryl Begay:
All of my art work is a reflection of who I am, it comes from the actual experiences I have had in my life. Many of those experiences come from living on the Navajo Reservation and spending time in my culture. That is why it reveals so much of the Navajo culture, but I do not use the Yei'bi'chi.
Perry Null Trading:
Many Navajo artist will incorporate the Yei'bi'chi into their work, why don't you?
Darryl Begay:
Simple, my Grandma asked me once if I knew the prayers and the songs, I didn't and it ended there.
Perry Null Trading:
Is it hard to not produce a bunch of quick easy silver, I imagine lots of people would line up to buy it?
Darryl Begay:
When I started I made the choice for my work to mean something and to always challenge myself to make something new and better. I want my jewelry to be around long after I am gone and to be very collectible. That will not happen if my jewelry was not made from the heart and produced in an assembly line where I do not have complete control of the finished art.
Perry Null Trading:
What do you think we will see from you next?
Darryl Begay:
My friend and author Gregory Schaaf always tells me the best is yet to come from Darryl Begay, I like that.
Perry Null Trading:
Thanks, real quick tell me about your online ventures?
Darryl Begay:
I have the redstreakdeisgns.com that talks about us and gives insight into my work and culture. If you visit turquoisehousegallery.com you will find my online outlet, it is something new and hopefully will become a place where people can view some of the finest Native American art being made.

Harrison Begay

Perry Null Trading:
I imagine many people would like their picture with you, do you get to charge for that?
Harrison Begay:
I don’t charge for pictures, just interviews.
Perry Null Trading:
How old are you?
Harrison Begay:
They tell me I was born in 1914, but I do not know. They didn’t take a census at that time on the Reservation.
Perry Null Trading:
Where was your home as a child?
Harrison Begay:
I am from White Cone, which is north of Holbrook, AZ.
Perry Null Trading:
Your art has taken you all over the world. Where are some of the places you have traveled?
Harrison Begay:
I went to Japan once. They have art that is very similar to the Navajo style I do. An artist by the name of Fukuda from Japan studied at the Dine College in Tsaile. A TV station in Los Angeles did a program on us and I went to Japan in 1996. I have been to all parts of the United States and Europe.

Perry Null Trading:
What began your career in art?
Harrison Begay:
When I was a child I was always drawing something. I went to the Santa Fe Indian School. Before that I was taught to do art in a realistic style, but there they encouraged me to do my own style. This is the style I still do today.
Perry Null Trading:
Do you work often?
Harrison Begay:
Just a little now.
Perry Null Trading:
What were some of your big projects?
Harrison Begay:
I have done many murals. In Albuquerque I worked on the Maisel’s mural in the 1940s. I have one in Flagstaff, and others that I can not remember where they are.
Perry Null Trading:
What have been some awards you have received?
Harrison Begay:
Governor Bill Richardson recognized me as a Living Treasure.

Philander Begay

Perry Null Trading
How long have you been making jewelry?
Philander
I started about four years ago.
Perry Null Trading
Have you always done cast work?
Philander
That is all I work with.
Perry Null Trading
So have you become an expert on tufa stone?
Philander
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.
Perry Null Trading
What is your connection with Hopi?
Philander
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 incoroporate the many different Kachina Dances I saw there into my work.
Perry Null Trading
Your brother Darryl D. Begay has become very well known for his work, has he helped teach you?
Philander
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.
Perry Null Trading
Have you begun to do shows?
Philander
I once snuck in some pieces to a show my brother was invited to. I had nine pieces and they all sold.
Perry Null Trading
Do you remember your first piece?
Philander
Yes, it was a bracelet that I sold to Yazzie’s Indian Art Raymond & Colina Yazzie for $65.
Perry Null Trading
Do you make anymore of those $65 pieces ;-)?
Philander
No.

Steven Begay

Perry Null Trading:
How long have you & Kari been together?
Steven Begay:
We have been together for 34 years.
Perry Null Trading:
How did you get involved in working silver?
Steven Begay:
I was at Fort Wingate School and the silver workshop needed some help. A silversmith left them so they brought me in and I started working on silver. That is where I learned the basics, solder work and stamping.
Perry Null Trading:
How long did you work for them?
Steven Begay:
I worked for them two weeks, then went to Holbrook and started doing work for a shop there, owned by Darrell Parker. He was paying me $20 for one bracelet, that was much more than in Wingate.
Perry Null Trading:
How long did you work for Darrell Parker?
Steven Begay:
When I was in Holbrook I met Kari. She worked at a dry cleaning shop there, that is where I took my shirts. After a couple of years in Holbrook, we left for Phoenix in 1977.
Perry Null Trading:
Did you continue working on silver there?
Steven Begay:
I worked for Al Zuni in Phoenix. He paid me by the hour and I was making better money. While I was there I worked on everything, and lots of gold.
Perry Null Trading:
What made you come back to the Winslow area?
Steven Begay:
We applied for a house there from the Navajo Housing Authority and received the paperwork that it was going to go through, we came back in 1987.
Perry Null Trading:
When you went out on your own what made you decide to do overlay work?
Steven Begay:
I was going to the Native American Church and you had lots of symbols in the Church. Things like fans, peyote buttons, and starburst were being used. I would incorporate this into my jewelry.
Perry Null Trading:
What kind of reaction did you initially get from your work?
Steven Begay:
Buyers would not want to pay real high for it. I just kept doing the overlay style and eventually it began to be really good.
Perry Null Trading:
What was your first big break?
Steven Begay:
I would take my work to ken Osborne in Sedona. He had a friend at the Heard Museum in Phoenix and told him about me. I received an application in the mail and filled it out. That was for the 1988 Heard Museum Native American Art Show.
Perry Null Trading:
How did you do at your first show?
Steven Begay:
I won best in category for an all silver belt. The same thing happen to me in 1996 when I was at the Indian Market in Santa Fe for the first time, a first place ribbon for a squash blossom and a best in division for a concho belt. At the Navajo Nation Fair I won the Navajo Nation Vice President award for my art the first time I entered.
Perry Null Trading:
Do people find you for jewelry?
Steven Begay:
Yes, I have had Japanese customers come to my house. They will ask people in my area where I live and everyone knows me so they tell them. Also, people from Australia and other parts of the United States. I tell them to go see Perry Null laughs. I was invited to go to Japan and do a demonstration and sell my work, but I decided not to go.
Perry Null Trading:
Do you remember your most favorite piece you made?
Steven Begay:
It was a all silver sqaush blossom, it was great. I sold it in 1999 to a Trader in Gallup.

Virgil Benn

Perry Null Trading
When did you and your wife begin making jewelry?
Virgil
In the late 1960s.
Perry Null Trading
What style of work did you first start to make?
Virgil
We have always done the channel inlay work. We are the first to use the etching in our work, which gives our pieces a life like look. In the beginning we did mostly animals, but over the years we have done everything you can think of. I have even done a bull and bronc rider.

Perry Null Trading
Did you start to make different things on your own, or did you get orders?
Virgil
A trader by the name of Micky Vanderwagen use to buy lots of stuff from us. He was the one that really encouraged us to make many different types. His place was down in Zuni.
Perry Null Trading
Was your work real popular in the 1960s?
Virgil
It was a new style with the etching, and it didn’t really get recognized until the early 1970s. A trader by the name of Leon Ingram started to buy all the jewelry we made. He recognized the quality and uniqueness of our pieces and kept asking for more of our work. His store was close to the old Post Office in Gallup.
Perry Null Trading
Have you ever done Indian Market or the Heard shows?
Virgil
We have never done either of those shows. Maybe it would have been different for us if we had done them.
Perry Null Trading
I imagine every collector knows your work. What do you mean different?
Virgil
Once Micky Vanderwagen had a journalist from Arizona Highways in his store in 1974. He wanted to feature our work in the magazine and take the photos of our work. However, Micky was not sure if that would be alright with us so he told him he would have to ask us first. That would have really helped us get more recognized.
Perry Null Trading
Who were your teachers?
Virgil
My wife and I are self taught. It always came easy to me and I really liked making the pieces.
Perry Null Trading
Did you know many of the early famous Zuni inlayers?
Virgil
I knew a few. Shirley’s mother Daisy Hooee was married to Leo Poblano. Her mother was an excellent inlayer and was one of the early master inlayers. She did lots of work for C.G. Wallace.
Perry Null Trading
So your wife is Hopi?
Virgil
She was from Daisy’s first marriage, which was to a Tewa. It wasn’t until her mother married Leo that she moved to Zuni.
Perry Null Trading
Is Tewa different than Hopi?
Virgil
Tewa is a different tribe. Some of them helped the Hopi against the Navajo and they let them stay on First Mesa. Half of Polacca is Tewa the other half Hopi, but the Tewa are able to enroll in the Hopi Tribe.
Perry Null Trading
What is ahead for you and your wife?
Virgil
We have slowed down some and just plan to make more jewelry.