Greyshoes (Upton Ethelbah Jr.)

Greyshoes is the art name of the multiple blue-ribbon-award–winning sculptor Upton Ethelbah Jr. (Pueblo of Santa Clara and White Mountain Apache). He 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. During his nearly three-decade career, Greyshoes’s subject matter has included Apache crown dancers; Pueblo corn, deer, elk, antelope, and buffalo dancers; and even the pan-American Matachines. He is also known for his “essentialized” 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.

A U.S. Navy veteran, Greyshoes earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of New Mexico, is a graduate of the Poeh Arts Center’s sculpture program, and has been mentored by such eminent sculptors as Evelyn Fredericks, Clifford Fragua, Dale Tsosie, George Rivera, and Nelson Tsosie.

Greyshoes 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 to 2003. Greyshoes’s sculpture studio is in the beautiful North Valley of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Private tours and demonstrations can be arranged by appointment. Call 505.270.8080 or email upton@greyshoes.com.

Greyshoes is represented by Manitou Galleries, Santa Fe, New Mexico.