When I visited the Kiva Gallery I was drawn to these masks, by David K. John, a NAVAJO artist who began to draw while in grade school. "Now one of the most accomplished Native American artists in the country at age 43, he feels depthless gratitude, he says, for both the deprivations and the glories of his childhood. 'In some ways,' John reflects, 'we didn't have anything. By normal standards, we were very poor. But in other ways, we were really fortunate. We had the earth, this beautiful land around us, and, thanks to my great-grandfather, we had our people's culture. I got to know my heritage. It's part of me. I couldn't be an artist without it.' He pauses. 'I couldn't even be me without it.' The man, his past, and his people's past are plaited into his art. 'It's all connected,' he says. 'That's what makes what I do so exciting. Everything is connected.' (Credit: handout from Kiva Gallery)
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superbe creation
ReplyDeleteBeautiful masks. Love the intimate look at the artist.
ReplyDeleteDarryl and Ruth :)
We love to visit your beautiful area and are drawn to the Navajo culture. I love the phrase, "plaited into his art." Thanks for introducing us to David John.
ReplyDeleteI want to thank you, too, for introducing us to David John! His work is beautiful! I love your part of the world and have visited several times. Had friends who lived in Santa Fe, beautiful city! Very interesting post! Have a great week, Kate!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
LOVE the look of Navajo art. Maybe it is the warmth of the colors.
ReplyDeleteROG, ABC Wednesday team
I don't think richness is measured by money. I am certain that many "poor" people are far richer than those who want for nothing.
ReplyDeleteI really like this post today. The colors of his artwork are lovely.
This is a wonderful piece. I love the Navajo words on it, too. Thank you for sharing this information about the artist.
ReplyDeleteAnother fascinating post, Kate. What a beautiful and interesting place to live!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way of thinking about life. Fantastic!
ReplyDeleteWonderful take on the theme, love that work!
ReplyDeleteN is for numismatic!
Fantastic mask!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Navajo art and I like the artists philosophy. Great entry Kate.
ReplyDeleteLovely post and a lovely piece of artwork! I agree with David that being poor and not having much is a wealth of it's own.
ReplyDeleteThat's an awesome mask! He is truly gifted. :D
ReplyDeleteI would love to see this Gallery, it must be real interesting. I love Indian art (or is it now American native art ?)
ReplyDeleteHi from the ABC team
It's the first time I see a Navajo modern painting and I like it!
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