Navajo at Water Well with his Donkey [R]

Chee had a tragic short life. He died when he was only 34 years old. He was born on December 14, 1937 at St. Michaels, Arizona. He attended school at Brigham City, Utah, through the 9th grade and then studied under Allan Houser for two years. He served in the U. S. Army, stationed in Germany for about 10 months, where he painted murals in Army buildings before he departed there in 1960.

He came into prominence when in his 20s in the 1960s, as indicated by his many awards at exhibits. He was awarded a first place prize at the Navajo Tribal Fair in 1959, and a third place award at Philbrook Art Center in 1960.

Chee painted in flat colors, often with casein. It is believed that this painting was executed in the 1960s after his discharge from the Army. It is a charming painting documenting a traditional Navajo chore of hauling water from a well on the back of his trusted donkey.

Condition: The painting appears to be in original excellent condition. It is currently shrink-wrapped for protection. It is signed to the right of center.

Provenance: From the collection of the family of Balcomb