Native Friendships: Our New Buffalo Dancer and Related Tributes to Indian Art and Artists

Native Friendships goes far beyond its title. While the close personal relationships established over the years with many Native American artists is an underlying and critical theme, the book is also very much about Indian art itself-from how it is made to how it is sold. Between these two steps enters the fun of acquiring this endearing art form and how much more valuable it becomes to the owner by knowing the artist who made it. Participate in the trials, tribulations and frustrations the artists had to endure throughout the creative process. Share the pleasure of admiring a finished piece. Experience the concept of "Indian-time" and appreciate and understand it. Develop the deep respect and admiration for the artists and their masterpieces they deserve. See how you can become a collector or simply indulge the urge to buy individual items that speaks to you. And they will speak to you-if you are willing to listen. It is only natural that not everyone will develop the same level of passion for the huge, complete range of Indian art available today. While the author has personally chosen, subconsciously, to focus on contemporary sculptures, Kachinas, storytellers, drums, seed pots, pottery and clay figurines, you should not ignore the marvelous weavings and blankets, sand paintings, antique pottery, paintings, dolls, clothing, flutes, moccasins, cradleboards, etc. that complement the subjects covered so compellingly in this narrative so beautifully and engagingly written. Indian art is so rich in its diversity that it is inevitable that you will want to purchase something when you stroll through one of the many colorful and captivating Indian markets, museum shops, galleries, or even road-side stands. The heady flavor of this unique shopping experience will never be forgotten; life long memories will stay with you and you will learn to treasure whatever has caught your fancy. Join the author as he embarks on his journey to become-inadvertently-a collector. A journey for which there is still no end in sight. Feel his pride and joy as a newly bought piece of art arrives and gets unpacked. Sympathize with him and his artist friends while they struggle for patience as something new is created. Sense the fun, pride and enjoyment you can have in getting involved in Indian art and its artists. It will enrich your life!

Helmut W. Horchler, a retired senior executive of the pharmaceutical industry, has devoted more than 30 years of his life to the study and acquisition of Native American art. The son of a professional artist, he grew up surrounded by paintings and antiques. Three of his sisters pursued a career in arts and his wife has become an established painter in her own right.He has traveled extensively throughout the Southwest in his pursuit of assembling an enviable collection of Indian art rivaling a small museum-sculptures, pottery, Kachinas, drums, storytellers, jewelry, clay figurines-and has been fortunate in the friendships he has formed with the many artists he has met.