Artisan Spotlight: De Haven Solimon Chaffins
Artisan Spotlight: De Haven Solimon Chaffins
A Journey Through Grief, Healing, and Artistic Excellence
In the world of contemporary Indigenous art, few names resonate as profoundly as that of De Haven Solimon Chaffins. Born in Portsmouth, Virginia, and an enrolled member of Laguna & Zuni Pueblo, Chaffins has carved a niche for herself that transcends the boundaries of traditional art. Her recent work, prominently featured in the groundbreaking "Grounded in Clay" exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, underscores her standing as a pivotal figure in Indigenous artistry. The mural, "Radon Daughter," an abstract representation of her autistic daughter, not only serves as an entrance to the exhibition but also as a testament to Chaffins's ability to merge personal narrative with universal themes of love, loss, and resilience.
A Humble Beginning
Chaffins's artistic journey is one marked by both tragedy and tremendous courage. After the loss of her son, Skye, to complications from cerebral palsy at the age of two, and grappling with severe depression, art became her solace and salvation. Skye's memory and the birth of her daughter, Fauve, who later was diagnosed with autism, sparked a new direction in Chaffins's work. Her son's spirit and her daughter's resilience are often symbolized through the imagery of hummingbirds in her artwork, offering a poignant homage to their lives and her path to healing.
The Signature Artist
Chaffins's role as the Signature Artist for the New Mexico Nursing Excellence Awards for over two decades further illustrates her commitment to giving back to the community that supported her during her darkest times. The nurses who cared for Skye left an indelible mark on Chaffins, inspiring her to design both the awards and a special pin received by the winners. Each piece she creates for the event is a bittersweet tribute to her son and a celebration of the nurses' compassion and dedication.
When asked about her artistic process, Chaffins replied,
"I've always been drawn to the outdoors; mountains, forests, water, desert landscapes and so forth. After the untimely passing of my little boy, I felt more at home in Nature. It was devastating trying to come back from something of that nature. I don't wish that on anyone. I projected some of those feelings onto Canvas by scraping away at pigment on my paintings; just leaving minimal fragments of information behind. Leaving ghost like impressions. It is unresolved grief."
Art as Advocacy
Beyond her artistic endeavors, Chaffins has become a vocal advocate for autism awareness and mental health. Her work in the "EXPOSURE: Native Art & Political Ecology" exhibition, which has traveled across the United States, showcases her dedication to using art as a medium for social change. The exhibition, supported by The Ford Foundation and the Andy Warhol Foundation for Visual Arts, features Chaffins among other International Indigenous artists, highlighting the critical intersections of environmental justice, Indigenous rights, and the power of art to provoke thought and inspire action.
A Reflection of Heritage
Chaffins's deep connection to her Laguna & Zuni Pueblo heritage permeates her work, providing a rich tapestry of cultural motifs and narratives that speak to both the past and the present. Her educational background, with degrees from the Institute of American Indian Arts and the University of New Mexico, has equipped her with the tools to explore and express these themes with depth and sensitivity.
Legacy and Impact
The reception of Chaffins's work, both within and beyond the Indigenous art community, has been overwhelmingly positive. Her contributions to the "EXPOSURE: Native Art & Political Ecology" exhibition have been documented in a companion book, offering a lasting testament to her impact on the field. Through her art, Chaffins navigates the complexities of grief and healing, inviting viewers into a space where vulnerability meets strength, and personal loss is transformed into universal hope.
De Haven Solimon Chaffins's legacy is one of profound resilience and beauty. Through her commitment to her craft, her community, and the causes she holds dear, Chaffins continues to inspire and challenge us to see the world through a lens of compassion, understanding, and boundless creativity.