ABQ Times

A student from the University of New Mexico-Gallup achieved recognition at the Runnels Gallery University Juried Exhibition at Eastern New Mexico University, earning honorable mention with a jewelry piece inspired by Navajo culture. Darrel Watchman, 40, designed a metal brooch reflecting a Navajo ceremonial basket, titled “Walking in Beauty.”

Watchman explained the cultural significance of his design: “I love the meaning it (the basket) has for our people, for the wedding ceremony and puberty ceremony. It tells the story of our creation. It starts in the middle and weaves its way out. The middle represents where we come from, our emergence into this world. And the lines that go out represent our path in life. I really wanted to translate that to my artwork.”

Scheduled to graduate in May from a human services program, Watchman crafted the brooch for a jewelry class under the guidance of Lecturer III Kristi Wilson. Wilson played a crucial role, assisting Watchman with the application process and the artist's statement. “It was important for me to talk about the story of our emergence,” Watchman said about the display tag that accompanied his piece.

Upon receiving acceptance into the exhibition, Watchman learned that his creation earned honorable mention. Kristi Wilson expressed pride in Watchman’s achievement: “I’m thankful for the opportunity that Eastern New Mexico University provided to our UNM-Gallup students. I’m incredibly proud of Darrel Watchman for applying, shipping his work, and winning honorable mention.”

Support from the UNM-Gallup Student Art Collective allowed Watchman to attend the gallery opening. The group organized a fundraiser, covering expenses for his trip to Portales, New Mexico. “The day they told me, I got emotional and almost started crying in front of them,” Watchman shared, expressing gratitude for their support.

Wilson commended the Art Student Collective’s efforts: “We serve the most empathetic students at UNM-G.” She had tasked students to create brooches with personal significance, leading Watchman to choose the Navajo ceremonial basket. Watchman and his wife use three such baskets in their home, believing they bring goodness into their lives.

The brooch consists of nickel silver and a patina-enhanced copper backing, adding visual interest. Despite challenges due to the complex design and new techniques, Watchman attributed his success to his instructor’s guidance.

While considering future art classes, Watchman remains focused on becoming a social worker, planning to pursue further education at Western New Mexico University. As a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, he uses art therapeutically, crafting items for veterans. Watchman emphasized the deeper meaning of his work: “It’s not just a thing I put together. It’s the stories, it’s the names, it’s the prayers, it’s the songs and all these things. Basically, it’s like creating life and bringing something into this world. That’s how I see it.”