(1949-Present)
Pueblo: Santa Clara and White Mountain Apache
Greyshoes (Upton S. Ethelbah, Jr) is an award-winning stone and bronze sculptor whose work enjoys worldwide acclaim. Greyshoes’ contemporary style draws inspiration from the traditional and ceremonial aesthetic of his Santa Clara and White Mountain Apache heritage.
Greyshoes sculpts contemporary, stylized, and flowing forms inspired by the 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. Greyshoes is also known for his 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 eminent 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.
Greyshoes award-winning sculptures have launched him to the top of collectors’ lists world-wide. Best in Bronze Sculpture 2006 Santa Fe Indian Market, Named 2009 Living Treasure by the Museum of Arts & Culture Santa Fe NM, Best in Stone Sculpture 2009 Santa Fe Indian Market. He also won ribbons at the 2018 Santa Fe Indian Market.
Greyshoes’ sculpture studio is located in the beautiful bosque in the North Valley of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Private tours and demonstrations can be arranged by appointment. Call 505-270-8080 or email upton@greyshoes.com to inquire.
(Edited from his website: https://www.greyshoes.com/about-c1g4i)
