Delbert Buck is a Navajo Folk artist born in Shiprock, New Mexico in September of 1976. Buck is self-taught and started carving at nine years old. His artwork started in an innocent way with the carving of toy guns for his younger brothers. The idea of carving figures just came to him. He first thought of carving a horse as he is an avid lover and participant of rodeos, with his favorite event being bull riding.
By age fourteen, Buck received recognition from galleries as they started carrying his work. He utilized found objects and painted wood carvings to bring his visions to life. Humor and satire are themes of his work as well as poking fun at politicians.
In his formative years, Buck’s family supported him by driving him to galleries and even helping him paint his carvings. Although, the family gives him all the credit for his creations.
Buck is featured in the Leslie Muth Gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and other galleries that showcase folk art. Currently, he works as an electrician and creates folk art in his free time.
