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Show iSEECSS Feature SOUTHERN UTAH NEWS WEDNESDAY AUGUST 18, 1893 r 1T i a V Ry Diri Brurncr One can get lost in Navajo Sam Simpsons intricate art as your mind wanders on the delicate wings of the eagles he depicts. With wood burning tools in hand, Simpson is taking the southwestern art world by We felt like he was an artist of enormous talent and potential, who deserved the opportunity to be successful, explained Judith, We were in the (financial) posi- tion to help him. His character impressed me, said Jim. There is a lot of tal- ent out there, but not a lot of character. We really felt Sam was a good person, who just happened to be incredibly talented. The Wurths offered Sam the to devote his full- Jim Wurth, who discovered and time energies to creating and sponsor Simpsons art. selling his art. In addition, they chilis of who one eight offered their connections, time Sam, dren, was born on a Navajo res- - and transportation, to get his ervation in southern Utah. The work some national exposure, artist explains that While Sam was reticent initially, his early creativity was limited the artist and his new benefac-t- o thoughts, memories and occa- - tors gained mutual trust, and sional sketches of the dramatic worked out an equitable soft-spok- rl ' Critical acclaim would so m follow. The Wurths began sho ing Sams art to southwestern art authorities, including Bill Garland of Sedona, Arizona. Ke couldnt believe the work, said Jim. He immediately purchased two pieces for his private collec- tion. The pinnacle of a southwest-Simpso- n em artists career is having his work displayed at the exclusive Heard Museum in Phoenix. Most artists never get the nity. Samuel Simpson was invited to the Heard Museum earlier this year. Of Simpsons work, the curator said, There is no one who has ever done this kind ist 'fS' - " V " s opportu-opportunit- y 1 11 en agree-southweste- scenery in which he lived. Real discovery of his talents came much later for 38 year-ol- d Sam. While working at a local sawmill in 1989, he began to ment. The Wurths financial and emotional support allowed Sam time to do what hes good at. He began creating more pieces of his unique art to sell at south- experiment with carving south- western art shows. With prac- western themes onto different tice honing his skills, Sams art became even more beautiful before. His depictions, es- pecially cf animals such as eagles, elk, cougar and mule Sam Simpson produces extraordinary works of art using a woodbuming tool in depictions of the dramatic desert southwest. Navajo families, hogans and animals - lay contrasted against beautiful backgrounds of buttes, ruins and rock formations. and birch plywood. He specializes rn cess at the Phoenix show, the Wurths hope to get his work further exposed in the Santa Fe show, which is also by invitation only. Sam has sold works to people in 12 different states, in- - creasing his exposure and ral base. Our goal is to help him become with his said Jim. work, Sam specializes in depictions of the dramatic desert southwest. Navajo families, hogans Do Something For Yourself Just Because You Deserue It!! Full Set Nails - $40 Fill Only - $22 We also offer Show Off Body Jewelry! self-sufficie- nt memory. T was just doing it to deer, seemed to come alive, We began to notice that his pass the time at first, admits work had developed new Simpson. Several j ears later Sams sis- - aspects... new perspective, ter purchased a wood "burning said Judith. Sam quickly sold and animals lay contrasted against beautiful backgrounds of buttes, ruins and rock formaJim While we are not tions. Sam also creates art in- experts, explained pictures or photo-o- r Wurth, we thought Sams work was extra- - spired by graphs, and welcomes commisdin ary. sioned work. Inquiries concerning Sams work can be directed to the tool for him, and he began workhe Wurths at P.O. Box 5318, Page, of eventuof most art out pieces ing with birch plywood, ally his preferred wood medium, took to shows. Everybody who AZ 86040. Their phone number and their His delicate touch left dramatic saw his work, just thought it is mail: jwurthpageaz.net . etched onto the wood, but was great. yet upon touching the picture, no indentation was felt. But while his work was inspired and beautiful, Sam had the problem many artists do., .the need for food! Full-tim- e employment meant little opportunity for Sam to create or market his work. The only real exposure his creations got wras occasional Large Selection! Great Prices! We also do Ear Piercing! art 520-353-440- 4, NIELSEN BY SHANNON refer-tha- n ''WfJlill Ihilli tf (fra . , t es f s . Cur-- t ! FT- - X. t r" t "fc'A 1 I -- A 9 c i swap meets, and admiring friends and family. Jim and Judith Wurths business association with Sam occurred quite by accident, when Sams brother showed the couple some of Sams work. While we are not art experts, explained 1 Jim Wurth, we thought Sams work was extraordinary. 4We tracked down his address and found him, said Judith, and asked to see any other work he might have done. After reviewing Sams intricate south-- , wpst depictions, the couple went; home and discussed his taleht.N i I .i i 1 I Houseboat rentals now discounted up to 40. Now through September, Lake Powell's Hite Manna will discount your Standard Class Houseboat rental a full Great. Rent a powerboat, too, and we'll make it 30. 40. That's even better. Hey, when you can save this kind of dough, what are you still doing on dry land? Discounts available at Hite Manna through September 30, 1999, on tnps of four or more days only Advance reservations required. I ' V V - a . V t t c LcIBowdl Amends Natural tflhtfww l V I A, (ft Vwirt |