This past weekend I had the great opportunity to meet Orlando Dugi. I first noticed his work at the Best of Show Reception – which highlighted all of the award-winning artwork. Dugi won two Honorable Mention awards for his 'Tropic Midnight' evening bag and his 'Exquisite Virility' cocktail purse.
I found this bio:
"My name is Orlando Dugi. I am Navajo from the Towering House Clan, born for the Bitterwater people. I am originally from Gray Mountain Arizona, currently living in Taylorsville City, Utah. I have been doing beadwork for just over 20 years. At a young age I remember seeing my father and my grandmothers creating beadwork items for sale. When I was 8, I decided to try it for myself. From then on I began making various things including powwow regalia for myself as well as my sister and niece. I am now focusing upon merging into the art industry, currently working on a series of elegant evening accessories. My work is contemporary in which I like to capture the different subtle changes of color on the surface of these different objects."
Dugi creates fantastic purses, earrings, and hats, and he's working on breaking into couture – I can't wait to see what ideas he has for garments!
(all photos were taken by me at the Heard Indian Market)