At the age of eighteen, Ryan Benally’s ambition is to be the next Allan Houser. People have been collecting Benally’s sculpture since he was fourteen years old. Collectors often say he has the skill and sensitivity of a much older artist and are surprised to find out his young age. If you look at Benally’s work, it is signed with his Navajo name. Each of Ryan Benally’s pieces is inspired by a story told to him by his great-grandmother who died in her 90s, but recounted Benally about her life – its hardships, her youth and her loves – before she passed away. Allan Houser, Michelangelo and the stone itself are also influences on Ryan Benally. The artist handpicks all of his stone himself from sources in Utah and Colorado. Like many artists, Ryan Benally’s initial inspiration came from a visit with another sculptor. Benally was shown the basics, and the rest has been trial and error. The artist has no formal training. “He sells like hotcakes; selling out all the time,” says Vivian Love, Benally’s self-professed second mother and promoter. Benally’s sculptures are semi-abstract, or they are inspired by traditional forms. Everything he does holds wonderful detailing.