Tribute to Jackson Clark

November 26, 2015

I first met Jackson when we lived in Durango (1998-2002). Being from the East Coast, I was unfamiliar with SW Native Art and Culture. Jackson would always greet me as a friend and was open to educating me whenever I made a purchase.

I was particularly drawn to the Navajo Weavers. Weavers would usually come to the Gallery unannounced, and Jackson would always greet them. One day, I was just about to leave for lunch with Jackson when a weaver and her family arrived. Lunch just had to wait. The weavers always came first.

I purchased several Isabel John pictorial rugs and wanted to meet her. However, she would just show up without an appointment. I made arrangements with the Gallery and my work colleagues that if Isabel showed up, I would be called and allowed to leave work, grab the rugs, and head straight for Toh-Atin. Finally, the call came, and I was able to meet her. She consented to be photographed holding the rugs.

I subsequently relocated to Grand Junction, CO, and after retirement, became a professional photographer. Jackson and I stayed in touch, and whenever I came to Durango, we would meet up. He even arranged for my husband, Andre, and me to have a private tour of the Durango Collection at the Center of Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College, Durango, CO.

I shared with him that I wanted to photograph weavers in their homes and workplaces. He suggested that we take a trip to the Navajo Nation and arranged for me to meet and interact with several weavers. Our trip kept getting postponed (COVID, weather, etc.) until one day he called me and said, “Are you ready?”

I must admit that I had limited experience photographing people and required a written consent to use these photographs commercially. The following account is 60 Hours traveling with Jackson Clark:

 We met up at Toh-Atin the morning of November 9, 2023. He pulled up in his Ford truck loaded with firewood, cakes, pies, and fruit baskets for the weavers. I brought Andre’s book, The Lost Tracks, as a gift.

Jackson had prearranged meetings with the weavers whom he had known for years. He usually knew their parents, children, grandchildren, and just about anything else. He was a trusted trader and friend, and was considered by many a family member. 

We left Durango via Wild Cat Canyon, then kept south of Farmington to Navajo Road 5, where we turned west past the Burnham Chapter House. As Jackson said, “dirt roads with tires.”

Our first visit was to weavers Sandy Mae Begay and her daughter, Ursula. Jackson introduced me as a “well-known” photographer. The lighting was not optimal, and the kids rigged up a lighting system, joking that we were making a movie. We exchanged gifts and hugs.

Our next stop was to visit Marie and Matthew Begay, Sr. Marie spoke little English, and her daughter, Shaunda, kindly acted as an interpreter. I photographed Matthew in the kitchen wearing one of his hats. He then changed hats so I could photograph each one! Marie happily sat at her loom, weaving. We next traveled to Lake City and visited Lorraine Succo. She was so gracious to let me film her spinning wool. I also photographed her by her loom.

We then headed south of the Tsaya Trading Post, past the old Tanner Trading Post, past White Rock, and onto Gallup, where we spent the night and had dinner with Cindy Tanner and her daughter, Emerald.

On November 10, we headed to Window Rock. We attended the Veterans’ Day Ceremony- very moving. Buu Van Nygren, president of the Navajo Nation, was present. We then headed north and eventually returned to a dirt road south of Red Lake, which took us to Sawmill. We then took “that crazy dirt road” and met weaver Emily Malone of the Spider Rock Girls at the Spider Rock Overlook at Canyon de Chelly. I was able to photograph Emily and Jackson with her weaving.

We then proceeded to Tsaile, where we turned north to Lukachukai and met up with Geanita John. I photographed her by her loom and while she made frybread. I was privileged to share a delicious meal with Geanita, her friend, Thomas, and Jackson. Then off to Buffalo Pass (Jackson said it was his favorite pass) through Red Valley, Shiprock, and then Durango.

Jackson absolutely refused to let me share gas or hotel costs. I didn’t know how to thank him. Then I remembered his favorite potato chip- Uncle Ray’s- salt and vinegar. So I sent a case to Toh-Atin. (Nothing could ever replace Mary Jane’s chocolate cookies, however!) I have never met a more caring, selfless man who cherished and respected his friends, colleagues, and the Navajo Nation, its people, and culture. My condolences to Antonia, Kris, his family, and the Toh-Atin Community. RIP, dear friend, and if you’re looking down, remember “heads up."

Susan (and Andre) Delgalvis

Grand Junction CO