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| Navajo art made by an young artist Benally from Arizona community Photo by Venaya Yazzie 2017 |
As Dine', as modern Navajo people, we have been given vast gifts from Creator, Dyiin. Many of us recognize this, but many do not.
I was born into a highly tactile-oriented family. A large group of my family and relatives are very creative and therefore "make" items. This is the legacy of the Navajo clan of the Manyhogans people. Our related animal is the Otter, and we are always ensure we "busy" with our hands, we are therefore not idle people. Many of the Manyhogans people I know are artists, they consist of: painters, potters, silversmiths, weavers, basketmakers and seamstress' among others.
My own family practices many of these activities, its in our DNA passed down to us from our ancestors, from out desert patriarchs via grandfathers, nalis, uncles....and too, through our matriarchs such as our grandmothers, mothers, aunts, cousin-sisters.
I share this with you as I am inspired by the new generation of Navajo artists. During the annual Window Rock Navajo Nation Fair I was able to purchase some new acquisitions from a young Navjao woman painter. I cannot recall her first name, but her last name is Benally. She is from the Window Rock, AZ community an made the two mini paintings I share. I really adore her "vision" in her colorful, fun depiction of Navajo women. I really believe we are a blessed people with grand visions of Beatuy in our bloodline. We as Dine' create and perpetuate 'Beautyway' when we make art. This, I believe, is the grand plan of our Creator.
Blessings in all Art things!
posted 09-21-17
by Venaya Yazzie
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
