THE ARTIST WHO SEES WITH HIS HANDS

Over the course of a feature-length documentary, Dream Touch Believe explores the life and creative work of blind, Native American sculptor, Michael Naranjo. On a journey of highs and lows, intertwined with sublime visual imagery, viewers uncover the challenges Naranjo fought past to succeed in his dream of becoming an artist. 

Naranjo has no eyes and the use of just one hand. Yet, he creates sculptures coveted by collectors worldwide. The shadow-like bronzes are treasured for their haunting beauty and are displayed prominently in homes, museums, and public places. But it’s Naranjo’s life story that continues to spark hope within people of all walks of life. Dream Touch Believe is a timeless biography about a man who succeeded in doing what he was told he couldn’t do.

As a young boy, Naranjo watched his mother, Rose, craft micaceous clay into pottery. The tradition of making pottery is a deeply rooted tradition in many of New Mexico’s pueblos and Rose was known for the gorgeous vessels she created. It is a tradition that goes back centuries. Naranjo became familiar with the art of crafting clay into objects. As a teenager, he often walked the streets of Taos, NM — a place known for its scenic views and art galleries. Naranjo regularly peered into the shop windows to admire the work of great sculptors. He imagined that someday he, too, might be an artist. But as a young man, Naranjo was drafted to the Vietnam War.

After surviving a nearly deadly grenade blast, Naranjo returned home from the war completely blind. Glass prosthetics rested where his brown eyes once sparkled. At home, he was often marginalized and treated without the dignity he once received as a sighted person. Rehab educators insisted a blind, Indigenous sculptor could never truly find success. Friends and family assumed his dreams died in the rice field, along with his vision. But Naranjo emerged from the shadows and stereotypes by developing his own sculpting technique. With no eyes and the use of just one hand, Naranjo didn’t just find success. Naranjo gained notoriety for creating shadow-like bronze pieces that often depict the memories that still dance within his mind’s eye – from tribal dancers to nude figures.   His works are now in museums across the country and in institutions like the White House and Vatican. Ultimately, the film reminds viewers of the importance of dreaming and achieving life’s goals despite the circumstances. 

Naranjo and his wife Laurie are also deeply involved in advocating for accessibility, especially when it comes to ensuring people of all abilities can enjoy artwork. At many points in Naranjo’s career, museums refused to let him touch works of art, even though its the only way he can see. Together, the Naranjos have partnered with museums and various art advocates to create touchable art shows that travel the globe. It is their hope that anyone who wants to touch or see the sculptures may do so.

For more information about the sculpture of Michael Naranjo, please visit:

Nedra Matteucci Galleries
1075 Paseo De Peralta
Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 982-4631  
www.matteucci.com                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Valley Fine Art
213 South Mill Street
Aspen, CO (970) 920-9193
www.valleyfineart.com