GREYSHOES

About this artist

Greyshoes is the nom de plume of the multiple blue ribbon award-winning sculptor Upton S. Ethelbah, Jr.

Greyshoes sculpts contemporary, stylized, and flowing forms inspired by the aesthetic motifs and movements found in the ceremonial regalia and dances of his Native American heritage (Santa Clara Pueblo and White Mountain Apache). Some specific representations have included Apache crown dancers, Pueblo corn, deer, elk, antelope and buffalo dancers; and even the pan-American Matachines. Greyshoes is also known for his “essentialized” Native American medicine bears and a variety of other sacred animal representations.

Greyshoes works exclusively in stone, including exotic and domestic marble, limestone, alabaster, and onyx. A selection of one-of-a-kind stone originals are then chosen to be cast in bronze in limited editions. These bronzes feature patinas in a range of colors, patterns, and textures.

Greyshoes earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of New Mexico, is a graduate of the Poeh Arts Center sculpture program, and has been mentored by such emminent sculptors as Evelyn Fredericks, Clifford Fragua, Dale Tsosie, George Rivera, and Nelson Tsosie. Ethelbah served as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Southwest Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA)—producers of the Santa Fe Indian Market—from 2002-2003.