PRESLEY LA FOUNTAIN
                                                                                        Southwest Native American Sculptor

Raised in a dichotomy of two worlds, Presley was influenced by the traditional life-style & his Indian Boarding School experience of the 60's in North Dakota. He now lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with his three children, daughter Aurah & sons, Saige & Samuel.

Using rhythm, movement & shadow, Presley's sculpture captures the essence of emotion, luring onlookers through skillful simplicity.

"The Influence of being part of the modem world & also a Native American Indian has been a source of strength that enables me to keep my own personal integrity in harmony with my art. I carve deliberately without detail. I want to interpret a whole spectrum of emotions."

Presley La Fountain has been the recipient of many prestigious awards & commissions. These include the 1976 First Annual American Indian Art Show, Governor's Award from the United Tribes in Bismarck, North Dakota, & the 1986 Wheelwright Museum Award, Santa Fe, New Mexico, for the Most Promising Young Sculptor & Carver. He has received numerous awards over the 18 years he has participated in the world famous, annual Santa Fe Indian Market. In 2000, he received first place for Best Sculpture.

Presley has exhibited with some of the most important, contemporary Native American Artists who have also moved beyond tradition, with courage & universal vision. These fellow artists include: the late Earl Biss, Woody Crumbo, Sr., Michael Horse, Gordon Van Wert, Parker Boyiddle, Congressman Ben Nighthorse Campbell, Elizabeth Abeyta, Harry Fonseca, John Nieto & his brother, fellow sculptor, Bruce La Fountain. This movement evolved from the Santa Fe Indian, School & the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) & was inspired by world renown Native American Artists such as Allan Houser, Fritz Schoulder, Doug Hyde, Narsico Abeyta, T.C. Cannon, and Kevin Redstar. Presley has always considered these artists of the highest caliber & the prominent figures from this period. Having a strong cultural history, they have taken Native American tradition forward with brave ambition.

After a violent attack June 2002, just weeks before the Santa Fe Indian Market, Presley's right hand was mangled. Through amazing endurance & community support, the artist honed his ambidextrous skills, mastering carving with his left hand. He persevered to produce high quality artwork, maintaining the standard of previous years, less than three months after the
injury,

"Now more than ever, I do not take for granted my skills, my life. The additional challenges that are now required to uphold the integrity of my artwork, encourage me to manifest my vision, my expression to it's fullest potential. With additional patience, I gain more focus. The physical demands of my art have not only enabled me to watch my hands change, literally, but has kept the spirit of my creativity alive. Life's undulations have not only added to the incredible, vast possibilities within my art, but also in my family & towards my part of the goodness in the world community. I am thankful for the many people who have supported my career over the years & who continue to possess a part of my life through my sculpture. "

Presley La Fountain has mastered craftsmanship & portrayed extensive emotions. After sculpting for over 25 years, he continues to refine his personal vision. Currently, Presley shares his experiences with organizations such as the Native American Rights Fund in Colorado. He has also been recognized for his support of the IAIA Museum Foundation. Presley La Fountain influences many sculptors throughout & beyond Indian Country.