Clara Begay is a Navajo cloth doll artist from the Navajo Reservation. She likes to use basic tools such as cloth, needles, and thread to create her art. Most of her work is done by hand with only a minimal amount used with a sewing machine.

Clara prefers to sculpt Native American adult, child, and animal figures. It allows her to express what she sees in life in addition to providing a chance to find out more about the traditions and history of Native Americans.

Clara chose cloth as her medium for many reasons. The primary reason is that it's an art form meant to be touched and felt, giving one a better feel of the material and in turn creating the very essence that one tries to capture. You can admire it without worrying about breaking it. It is also a forgiving medium that is easy to work with.

"When creating a new piece, the face is usually sculpted first. This process helps figure out how the rest of the doll will look. Once the face is done the rest seems to just come naturally. I am surrounded by a talented family who give me support and provide encouragement for my creativity. My husband is a painter and my children have shown a great deal of creativity as well. They also are four critics when I need that last evaluation before sending a doll off to competition. I feel I have been influenced and inspired by the works of cloth doll artists such as Lisa Lichtenfels, Antonette Cely and Akiko Anzai. It constantly amazes me what can be created with just cloth, stuffing, needle and thread. All it takes is practice, inspiration and creativity."

Clara Begay

Clara Begay