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Larry Lominac Memorial Award of Excellence
~ $700 ~ Courtesy of Friends of Larry Lominac ~
"Otter Family"
by Nathan Lefthand, Navajo
Description: Necklace of sterling silver, hand carved elk horn otter figures, abalone shell beads, Australian opal and rubies. Techniques: constructed.
About this Award: Awarded to recognize the use of humor and animal imagery (particularly bears) in any media. Larry, who passed away in 2003, was the husband of ASM Staff member Karen Lominac. His lifelong love of animals inspired the creation of this award.
Jurors' Comments:
Rex Arrowsmith: This is a beautiful piece, a great piece of carving out of one piece of bone. Each otter has something (an object) on its stomach because they are shown swimming on their backs. Their bellies have shells on them. This is how otters float—it's a very great piece and lots of fun.
David Johns: This is a necklace of four otters. I agreed with the other judges on this piece because of the humor shown about animal culture. It shows Navajo stories about this particular animal, their songs, their prayers to it, especially their humor. The significance of otter in Navajo culture is represented in the necklace's style and composition.
Larry King: I think this is a very excellent piece to honor Larry Lominac because of its humor. The otter is featured in Navajo stories and culture and the necklace demonstrates the northwestern trail connection. I thought this was fun to see—the curious antics that otters do while eating and lying in the water. The medium that is used is common in Navajo ceremonial traditions, such as abalone shell and antlers.
Nathan Lefthand