Naiomi Glasses combines elements of Native American art, skateboarding, and Ralph Lauren in her work.
In the northeastern region of Arizona, nestled among the striking red rocks and sprawling land of the Navajo Nation, one can hear a consistent beat that maintains near-perfect rhythm. Every day, for hours on end, artist Naiomi Glasses sits peacefully on her floor, weaving on her loom. She describes the process as meditative, with the repetitive motions allowing her to enter a trance-like state. It is a valuable opportunity for reflection and contemplation.
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The young woman, at the age of 26, reflects on the legacy of her six ancestors who were weavers, carrying on the valuable tradition of Native American culture. These intricate designs, which require months of labor and can be quite costly, have now captured the interest of the fashion industry, specifically Ralph Lauren. As a child, the woman grew up admiring this brand and had dreams of one day collaborating with them, although she never thought it would become a reality. “I used to dream about this while weaving,” she exclaimed.
It may seem like an improbable journey for a shy girl from Arizona who was mercilessly bullied as a five-year-old for having a cleft palate. To escape the torment, Glasses found solace on a skateboard. “It’s always been a safe space where I feel like I can be myself, learning how to be even more confident,” she said.
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At the age of 16, she bravely attempted weaving and brought that confidence with her to the loom. Her brother, Tyler, introduced her to their grandmother’s techniques and together they began selling their creations at the nearby trading post. However, their parents urged them to dream even bigger. As a result, in 2020 they utilized social media to showcase their work. Tyler shared images of Naiomi displaying her vibrant pieces against the backdrop of their reservation, as well as her impressive skateboarding abilities.
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Source: cbsnews.com