Navajo (Dine’) artist, Ronald Chee, is known for his contemporary approach to traditional Native subject matter. Primarily self-taught, Mr. Chee began drawing horses as a young boy, and selling his work to tourists passing through Indian Country.

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Nowadays, Mr. Chee uses vibrant color, and a love for experimentation and change, to depict both traditional and modern Native subject matter and imagery. These two worlds are masterfully blended to give the patron a glimpse into present day Indian life; often creating a dynamic sense of unease. The results are works with bold imagery, influenced by historical and political events, which are filled with movement and emotion. With visual allure, Mr. Chee deconstructs the stories, myths, and culture of the Native people.

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Of particular interest to Mr. Chee are the traditional myths about the Yeii’. The Navajo (Dine’) believe that all things are connected between the physical and spiritual worlds. The Yeii’ is the spiritual channel between these two worlds.

Ya’ a’t e’e’h

Ronald Chee Studio

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AWARDS:

Division, First Place: 2020 Heard Museum/ Craig and Barbara Barrett Foundation; Phoenix, Arizona

Printmaking, First Place: 2018 Tempe Festival of the Arts; Arizona

Award of Excellence, Blue Ribbon: 2014 Arizona State Museum; Tucson

Judge’s Choice: 2014 Heard Museum; Phoenix, Arizona

Classification, First Place: 2012 SWAIA/Santa Fe Indian Market; New Mexico

Best of Division D, First Place: 2012 SWAIA/Santa Fe Indian Market; New Mexico

Classification, First Place: 2010 SWAIA/Santa Fe Indian Market; New Mexico

Classification, First Place: 2006 SWAIA/Santa Fe Indian Market; New Mexico

Best in Category: 1998 Indian Tribal Ceremonial/Gallup, New Mexico

Best of Show: 1996 The Original American Indian & Western Relic Show; Pasadena, California

Division, Second Place: 2021 Heard Museum; Phoenix, Arizona

Division, Second Place: 2015 Heard Museum; Phoenix, Arizona

Classification, Second Place: 2013 SWAIA/Santa Fe Indian Market; New Mexico

Classification, Second Place: 2008 SWAIA/Santa Fe Indian Market

Classification, Second Place: 2007 SWAIA/ Santa Fe Indian Market; New Mexico

Classification, Second Place: 2000 SWAIA/Santa Fe Indian Market

Honorable Mention: 28th Invitational Native
American Fine Arts Festival; Litchfield Park, Arizona

Honorable Mention: 27th Invitational Native American Fine Arts Festival; Litchfield Park, Arizona

Honorable Mention: 25th Invitational Native American Fine Arts Festival; Litchfield Park, Arizona

Honorable Mention: 2008 Heard Museum; Phoenix, Arizona

Honorable Mention: 2006 Heard Museum; Phoenix, Arizona

Honorable Mention: 1996 United Tribes Indian Art Exposition and Market; Cherokee Nation, Oklahoma
 

Phone: (714) 334-9052

Email: Rachee@Mac.com

Facebook: Ronald Chee
Instagram: Chee_Ronald

Website: www.ronaldchee.com

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