Turquoise House Gallery came about in a cultural way. You see, my uncle Bobby had told me a story of my Grandparents. Back in the 1980's, my uncle, his brother and my grandparents took off to Kingman, Arizona. My uncles wanted to see the Kingman turquoise mines. So their journey began to Kingman. Using Navajo prayers, they were led to the mines. They came upon a building that stored all the rough Kingman turquoise. They saw turquoise piled to the ceiling. In that moment my grandmother told of a Navajo legend that mentions a turquoise house. She said, "Is this what they call Turquoise House?" That story has stayed in my memory all these years. So this is how my Gallery got its name. Turquoise House Gallery is dedicated to our Navajo elders who's teaching continue thrive in the 21st century.
Rebecca's BiographyInspired to be an artist at an early age. Rebecca is pleased that her pursuits are slowly becoming reality. She was taught the Tufa Cast technique by her husband Darryl and greatly enjoys it. Although she has a degree in Secondary Art Education and taught high school art courses at Rehoboth Christian School, she decided the raising of her three sons is her first priority. Now, she creates jewelry along side of her husband and hopes to fulfill other endeavors as an artist; creating more work in various mediums. Her next project is writing and illustrating children's books. She thanks and gives credit to God for her talent and all the other blessings in her life.
"The Inspiration of my art comes from within, who I am as a Navajo woman, mother, wife, artist and Christian. I love what I do." ∼ Rebecca Begay |
Darryl Dean Begay has created his own niche in the Native American Art world using a variety of techniques including the tufa cast technique, Stone inlay technique, and the traditional Navajo silversmithing technique (using chisels and file). His unique jewelry design, is rich in Navajo culture and set with the highest grade stones. With a world wide clientele, his work is sought after. Darryl learned tufa casting from his uncle Bobby Begay in 1997. He creates one master piece at a time using only top grade materials. His knowledge of turquoise is excellent; he learned from some of the best in the business. Lone mountain turquoise is one of his favorite turquoise. "I thank God for the talent he has blessed me with, as I share with the world my jewelry".∼ Darryl Begay In 2009 Darryl and his wife, Rebecca, received the prestigious and coveted “Best of Show” at the 88th annual Santa Fe Indian market. It was a huge blessing to their careers. |
Check out Native Jewelers Society!
|