Tim Washburn

Biography:

 

Born in Fort Defiance in 1959, into the Salt and Mexican clan of the Navajo Tribe. Raised in Littlewater, NM until 2969, when both parents deceased. I spent the next 1-2 decades in Northern Utah with a foster family. I was in my own little world, always creating or building objects at an early age. Not noticing that I have stumbled on my God given talent. Creating made whole! Although I was orphaned at a young age, my artistic parents influenced me. My natural mother was a talented Navajo weaver. You will see her influence in the sculptures I create of Native American women with their intricate woven Navajo rugs and jewelries.

 

My father was a hard worker as a carpenter of our tribe. Always remembering their gentle nature and kindness. I use their facial expression in my sculptures. Both sets of my parents (Natural & Foster) took great pride in their accomplishments and hard works. Because of their examples, talents, and influence. I too, take great pride in my sculptures.

 

I know and experience the hardship of hard work. As far as I remember from my childhood I had been taught to rise early each morning. That my mind and body would be strong and clear. I still use some of the old ways my parent’s teachings. I have a deep respect for all beings.

 

After my high school graduation. I had a desire to build my own car and home. Upon taking some courses: I realized the reality of having to live in a city, my interest in building my dream car faded and not being much of a city person. I returned home in 1980.. To the Navajo Indian Nation. At which pant my love of creating made a different turn… toward Sculpturing. With my newfound interest, I returned to Kaysville, Utah. Helped my foster family run a Dairy business full time and worked another full 8 hours on my Sculpturing career for the next four years.

 

In 1980, never looking back left the Dairy business and went into sculpting full time! I found joyment, peace and satisfaction in sculpturing. I enjoying it so much I was willing to pay the price, of never looking back into my family Dairy business. I realized this type of medium required a sense of discipline, focus and goals. I take full responsibilities for all are projects. Which includes, clay work, cutting, dry & wet sanding, polishing detailing, sandblasting, texturing, and making bases for each sculpture; pre-planning and time lining projects, site preparation, negotiating with quarries and foundries foe quality, weight, color and prices.

 

My themes are predominately representational Native American Indian scenarios. I crate one of a kind sculptures, Marquette and original work for casting in bronze. My sculptures range in size from tabletop pieces to monumental. I endow my figures in unmiskable personalities that spark recognition, leadership, strength, boldness and pride. I love working with Native American history and attempt to convey our people to viewers in a manner that touches their hearts.

 

I have worked with Public Art Programs, Private Business and participate in similar competition National and International.

Besides being a Sculptor; I must also be a businessman, I found that good communication is vital in dealing with the public, professionals and one’s self. Any commission is my top propriety. Within mind the quality of my subject should uplift and relate to its surroundings.

 

It would be an honor to have this opportunity to tell a story of our Native people through my sculpture. Thank you.