Episode 113: Greyshoes, Upton Ethelbah Jr.

Award-winning sculptor Greyshoes (Upton Ethelbah Jr.) joins host and gallery owner Leroy Garcia on the Blue Rain Gallery Podcast for a conversation about art, identity, and the cultural experiences that inspire his celebrated stone and bronze sculptures.

Drawing from his Santa Clara Pueblo and White Mountain Apache heritage, Greyshoes transforms the movement, color, rhythm, and spiritual character of Indigenous dances into contemporary sculpture. He shares memories of returning to Santa Clara Pueblo, learning traditional dances alongside his sons, and experiencing the powerful connection between the dancers, singers, drums, and community.

Greyshoes also recounts his remarkable journey from directing student life at the Santa Fe Indian School to becoming a professional artist after retiring at age 55. He discusses studying sculpture at the Poeh Cultural Center, choosing the physically demanding art of stone carving, and translating select stone originals into limited-edition bronze sculptures with expressive, colorful patinas.

The conversation explores the inspiration behind works such as “Santa Clara Pueblo Ram Dancers,” along with Greyshoes’ representations of Apache Crown Dancers, Pueblo Corn Dancers, deer, elk, buffalo dancers, and other figures rooted in Native American culture and ceremony.

Explore artwork by Greyshoes (Upton Ethelbah Jr.):
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Watch more conversations with leading artists:
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This episode was hosted by Laura Garcia, produced and edited by Leah Garcia, with original music by Mozart Gabriel Abeyta.

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