My Tree of Life as an Appraiser of American Indian Art
My Viewpoint
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Dr. Zastrow has woven together a masterpiece for collectors,..attorneys…historians…museums…appraisers…anthropologists…accountant, dabblers. Her long experience working with Native American art and artists shines on every page. Through her many years of appraisal work, she celebrates Native American arts and artists from the earliest times to the most contemporary works.
Her lifelong interactions with the Native American community has led to a treasure-trove of knowledge regarding Native American art. These pages will enlighten the reader as to the value and importance of their collections. This is accomplished with stories and photos about the artists and the products of their imaginations. Dr. Zastrow's expertise in the areas of art, pottery, jewelry and other artistic pieces is apparent. Her writing is a tribute to her respect for the artists and the evolution of these objects from the practical to the artistic. This book makes for peasant reading for all who have an interest in the Native American communities and their art.
Her indigenous artist friends affectionately know this engaging woman as “Dr. Z”. In this book, she conveys an impressive amount of art knowledge. Do not be intimated by her vast academic knowledge as she writes in a relaxed, conversational, personable voice. Her goal is evident as she relates tips for the beginning collector. Dr Z. is the meticulous GPSguide for the experienced collector thru the intricate, complex, yet tax required appraisal process of donating art to a non-profit organization. In a sentence, this is the “go to book” applicable for all levels of collectors of American Indian art.
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About the Book
American Indian art has a long history and a vibrant and active modern-day community, something that has long interested collectors, historians, and anthropologists. In My Tree of Life as an Appraiser of American Indian Art—My Viewpoint, author Leona M. Zastrow offers an examination of the past and present of American Indian art from her viewpoint as an art appraiser. She presents facts and details about Southwest American Indian art, considering its history and transitions and offers “snapshot views” of American Indian art. She also describes how people can donate their work to nonprofit organizations, explains several federal laws concerning Indian artists, and profiles several American Indian artists who created many of the items featured in these pages, including potters, jewelers, weavers, carvers, printers, and painters. Presented from the unique perspective of an appraiser, this collection of articles, originally written for a Santa Fe area publication, shines a new light on American Indian Art. A perfect reflection of a life lived in harmony with her roles as friend, teacher, appraiser, and collector of American Indian Art. Throughout the pages, we are offered a unique insight into a many-faceted world of wondrous American Indian art. —Dr. Ginny Brouch, Phoenix, Arizona
About the Author
Dr. Leona M. Zastrow is the founder and president of Educational Planning for Individuals and Communities, Inc. (EPIC, Inc.), a company whose services include developing culturally based curricula, grant research, development, writing, evaluation, strategic planning, and accreditation studies with schools and colleges. She is also the founder of The Arts and Antiques Appraisal Company, a subdivision of EPIC, Inc., which provides personal property appraisal services. Dr. Zastrow is a member of the Appraisers Association of America, specializing in appraising American Indian art. She has been a planner and researcher with American Indian nations for more than forty years and a teacher of American Indian art to Indian high school and college students. She is also the author of a number of books and articles about Indian art.