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Rod Velarde, Jicarilla Apache
I am of the Ollero
Clan, I was raised on the
Jicarilla Apache Reservation by my
grandparents.
My grandfather's people influenced me a lot in my
designs. He is of the San Indefonso Pueblo Nation
in northern New
Mexico.
My grandmother is Jicarilla and was a
basket maker.
From them I learned how simple life can be. We went
to town to get supplies in a wagon pulled
by horses,
round trip
took two days.
I attended formal schooling in the Dulce
public schools
until the 5th grade. From there I finished my
schooling
in northern Utah, and graduated in 1973.
I speak my native language, fluent
Spanish, and English.
My designs that you see reflects many
cultural influences.
I try to use other designs from other
nations. From the
pyramids of central Mexico to the land of Chile
in
South America, and to the Pagodas of South Korea.
I use what I
learn from these trips to create songs
and apply these experiences
to my creations.
My formal art instruction is from the
Colorado
Institute of Art in Denver, Colorado.
I received a degree
in commercial
art and advertising. |
