Benson Halwood (b. 1963) Navajo, Carved Alabaster Native American Face. Protective fuzzy feet attached to base. Signed (twice) and dated 1994 on bottom. 

Size: 6 1/4 x 4 x 4 3/4 in. 

#4272 . 

Benson Halwood (also known as Hal Johns Benson) was born in Keams Canyon, Arizona in 1963. His father, Ben Halwood, was also an artist, as well as a minister and director in the local Presbyterian Church and the Liaison Air for boarding schools on the Navajo Reservation. Justin Tso made an impression on young Benson during a senior high school lecture in Chinle, New Mexico. Benson soon after embraced the work of David John, Dan Namingha, and Robert Draper, inspired to explore watercolors and Native American imagery. Benson began entering art competitions in 1987, receiving a 3rd place award in his first show in Page, Arizona as well as a 1st place award at the 1988 Pueblo Indian Cultural Center Show in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Benson depicts a range of subjects from daily life centering around the hogan, to images relating to the more spiritual aspects of Navajo culture. In addition, Benson has experimented with the use of new media since the 1990s, including the sculpting of alabaster and sandblasting. Today he lives on the Reservation with his wife Royetta, with whom he has two children, and continues to explore art as well as acting as a representative for the tribe in various artistic festivals, competitions, and international events.