CLOUD EAGLE
Tewa Indian from Nambe Pueblo (b. 1961 – d. 2011)
Ernest Eugene "Bo" Mirabal, known professionally and tribally as “Cloud Eagle” was a full-blooded Tewa Indian from Nambe Pueblo, New Mexico who created Pueblo art of outstanding quality and educating the American public as to its cultural significance.
He attended Pojoaque High School and graduated from Wasatch Academy in Mt. Pleasant, Utah. Mirabal received an Associate of Fine Art degree in two-dimensional and three- dimensional arts in 1984, having studied painting, sculpture, and jewelry-making at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe. Upon receipt of his degree, Cloud Eagle opened his sculpture studio in Nambe Pueblo.
He won numerous awards including "Best of Show" at Eight Northern Pueblos show and many first place awards at the SWIA Indian Market in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
"The stone was created within Mother Earth's womb. For a thousand millennia it slept and remained there only to rise again to form the sacred mountains, peaks and hills. Long ago the Tewas used K'uu, or stone, for shelter, implements, ceremonial pieces, fetishes and other things. It has now returned to help us again. These allies from all around the world wait in our sculpture garden, alive and calling - waiting to see if we can hear their voices. Finally, the time is right; the visions are perceived; and the energy flows within the stone and myself as new images emerge."
Much of Cloud Eagle’s work involved the idea of the circle, things repeating and returning, the oneness of nature. Alabaster horses, weasels, bears, opposite facing heads, connecting in waves, awesome kachina-like figures and buffalo dancers journeying on sacred cornmeal into space. Cloud Eagle’s sculpture represents the finest synthesis of contemporary design and Pueblo Indian tradition. With clean flowing lines, elemental forms and rich blending of texture and finishing, he created sculptures whose moods surprise with each changing vantage point. Yet, the legendary symbols of Tewa life remain strong: Cloud Eagle’s work celebrates the cycle of life and the oneness of nature.
"Indian life is based on cycles of growth, water, life, and death. The circle is my trademark. When I was a teenager, my mother would take me on retreats to Canada where medicine would explain things. I believe you have to give in order to receive."
He was a great artist in the truest sense and yet more than an artist. He was a teacher and a public figure who built a studio within which traditional and contemporary fine art skills commonly used by Native American artisans, could be taught. His vision was for a fellowship of committed artists working and learning the cultural legacy of Native American life.
He saw the Spirit in all things. His art’s purpose was to bring out that spirit and longing for Oneness that is within all. He made and sold hundreds of incredible pieces of art as sculptures in his lifetime. He traveled to many places and foreign lands connecting with other tribal people and sharing in their traditions of the Spirit. He taught many how to approach their art from the concept of Spirit. Sadly, too much toxicity from his life-long fight with alcohol cut his life short. This challenge gave him so much pain but pushed him even more to know the light beyond the darkness.
EXHIBITIONS:
- The New Mexico Museum of fine Art selected his painting for the “Contemporary Native American Art” retrospective in 1984
- The Northern Pueblos 16th Annual Artists and Craftsmen Show awarded Cloud Eagle “Best of Sculpture”.
- The Southwest Association of Indian Affairs, Inc. warded him a First Place in sculpture.
- The following year both exhibits repeated these awards.
- In 1987 His work won First Place honors in the Scottsdale Native American Art Show
- In 1987 his work won First Place at the Pasadena Western Art & Relic Show
- The Eight Northern Pueblos awarded him First and Second Place in sculpture and Best of Show followed by another first place award in 1991.
- In 1992, Cloud Eagle’s work took First Place in Mixed Media sculpture at the WSAIA Indian Market in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
- In 1992 Best in Show and First Place sculpture honors at the Dallas Indian Market.
MAGAZINES & PUBLICATIONS:
- New Mexican’s “Pasatiempo Magazine” front cover and in-depth article on his life and work.
- Guest Life Magazine
- Travel & Leisure Magazine
- Southern Living Magazine
- Santa Fean Magazine
His sculpture is collected and shown throughout the United States and abroad.
