Films — YAZZIE STUDIO

Poem & Words by Jennifer Elise Forster,

Voice, Julie Johnston

Visual Direction & Sound Design, Steven J Yazzie,

Motion Graphic Animation Design, Mark Gabriel Laos, 2023

On display in the exhibition:

Near East to Far West, Fictions of French and American

The first piece of AI-generated art debuted quietly at the Denver Art Museum. It won’t be the last. Poet Jennifer Foerster and artist Steve Yazzie talk about their collaborative piece “Us” - Read Article

“I’m finding pride in who I am and loving myself and loving my skin color and loving my background,” says Itzel Tochli Abrego (Coahuiltecan/Nahua-Otomi), aka drag artist Papi Churro, who performed at IllumiNative’s Wagon Burners: All-Indigenous Drag Show in August 2022 at Charlie’s in Denver. “What was awesome was having people who come from the same background coming up to me and being like, ‘I felt seen. I felt like I could identify with that.’ It validated what I was trying to do.” Hosted by the legendary Landa Lakes (Chickasaw) and Lady Shug (Diné), the show also featured the incredible Sage Channel (Shawnee), Pandora Royale (Lakota Sioux), Buffalo Barbie (Diné) and Miss Eartha Quake (Diné). A scintillating, powerful and truly iconic night, the show was an incredible celebration of queer Indigenous talent and creativity, and of our Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ relatives everywhere.

Shot and produced by Yazzie Studios.

The Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian and the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum have partnered to produce a short film celebrating the diverse cultural connection of Santa Fe.

Directed by filmmaker and artist Steven J. Yazzie (Diné/Laguna Pueblo/Anglo), Following Enchantment’s Line showcases nationally renowned dancers Jock Soto (Navajo/Puerto Rican) and Harrison Coll. The soundscape features the music of classical composer Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate (Chickasaw Nation).

Following Enchantment’s Line draws inspiration from the lines, shadows, and light seen across the northern New Mexico landscape which has influenced many artists throughout time. Coll has studied dance with Soto for 17 years at the School of American Ballet, the official school of New York City Ballet. This project marks the first time they are performing together.

Film

Birds in The Ribs is a short film based on a poem of the same title. The film was created by writer Jonathan Bond, and artist Steven J. Yazzie.

Credits: Directed by Steven J. Yazzie Written and Performed by Jonathan Bond, based on the poem “Birds in the Ribs”

Special Thanks to Martha Lea for Typewriter-created art

Sound: “Narrow” by Chelsea McGough, “Sirens” by Michael Tanner, and “Melody” by Amanda Welch

The Paddle and Anvil: A Piipaash Pottery Tradition

Master Artist Documentary

The film Features Piipaash Maricopa artist, Ron Carlos, a modern day denizen who is one of a handful of Piipaash artists left in the world. The story follows his journey of crafting a pot through his uniquely creative and straightforward process, from excavating raw earth from his traditional land and forming in into to a fully realized finished work of art.

Written and Edited by Steven J. Yazzie & Jonathan Bond

Story Consultant: Maryann Fast

Executive Producer: Heard Museum, Heard Museum Guild

Support from the Margaret A. Cargill Foundation

Associate Producer: Maryann Fast

Sound

Unity for Christ: “I’m Going That Way”

Clay Hawkins: “The Falls One”, “The Falls Two”, “Stanley”

Ron Carlos: Ayesha Songe Series, “Enemy Crying”

Nathan & Uncle Bino: “Gavilan Pollero”, “traditional”

Drew Barefoot: “Enjoy The Calm”

Special thanks to: Ron Carlos and family, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, Gila River Indian Community, Ak-Chin Indian Community, and Google Earth.