Youvella and his wife Geraldine Youvella live in Polacca where he was born. Together they have four sons and three daughters. Youvella started carving in 1962 in order to support his family after his first son was born. Now, creating Kachina dolls is somewhat of a family business.1 His sons Alexander, Preston and Darrell are also carvers, and his four grandsons are helping to carry on this family tradition.
Youvella’s Kachina dolls are carved from cottonwood root and are generally 8” to 14” tall. He carves the head and body from one piece of wood, then carves and attaches accessories separately using a wood-burning iron for fine details. In addition, his wife helps by sanding and painting the dolls. Finally, he signs each sculpture at the bottom with his name and clan symbol.
Youvella has received several awards for his Kachina dolls at Hopi shows including 1st at Scottsdale Nationals in Arizona in 1969. He also has pieces on display in the Museum of Northern Arizona, the Heard Museum and in galleries including McGee’s Indian Art, Eagle Dancer Gallery, Indian Craft Shop, and more.2
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