Dine' Beadwork

Christmas gift share!

I received these 'beautyful' beaded earrings for my Christmas gift fro my aunt.  I really love these earrings. The colors red and black really make this authentically Dine' - as many Dine' women use these colors in their rug weavings.  My aunt said she purchased them from a Dine' (Navajo) beader from Arizona. These are so great as they are made with posts instead of hooks.

The design aesthetic of these earrings really reminds me of the Dine' (Navajo) rug designs! She has great color hues in her work.

Hope you have a great rest of the 2018 year and be blessed in all your ways in the new year!

Blessings all around.

The beauty of our Indigenous ways

The simplicity of our Indigenous female existence is priceless!

I love to view and study the historic photographs of my southwest tribal people: Hopi and Navajo. We are resilient human beings, we've endured many hardships and much turmoil, yet we continue to be strong in our cultural heritage and ways of being.  I love this image for many reasons...

First, is that it shows that mother/grandmother/matriarch and young girl bond.

Second, the image shows the historic method of Hopi Pueblo women's hair tying.

Thirdly, it show the tribal women's garments of that time.

Lastly, it depict their Indigenous Adornment via their tribal jewelry pieces.

Our southwestern Indigenous people are so fascinating, everything we do and make is connected to a very spiritually-rooted place, in this way we know we are protected.

Much Blessings.

VJY

Those ribbon-inspired full length skirts!

Our Creator-gifted ways

All across 'Indin'country' we are all inspired by the cultural items that we make.  We are a diverse community of Indigenous people and thus make wearable items that reflect our rich Native cultures.  From the Canadian reserves to the beautyful peoples of South America - many of us have great respect for one another.

The recent trend in the skirt-making activity has spread across Indin' Country. The long length women's ribbon skirt one of those creations that every seems to adore.  Having made cultural regalia through the years I have also made these skirts.  I have included these image so showcase my work below.

Ribbon-inspired full length skirts made
by Venaya.
Photo: Venaya Yazzie 2018
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Lovely matriarch models a ribbon-inspired full length skirt
made by me.
Photo: Venaya Yazzie 2018
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

By request I have made several versions of this ribbon skirt, and from that I was inspired to continue this work.  I am not fully sure of where the skirt originated in Indin' Country but I am leaning toward the people of the powwow circles. Ribbon is a material that is in high use in making different powwow clothing.

But, overall, tribal people use a plethora of westernized materials to make truly unique culturally styled garments and accessories. The Dine' people of the Four Corners area use mostly velvet/velveteen and satin material to construct their cultural clothing pieces.  The Apache people in the Dulce, NM community use plenty of cotton calico fabric to make their women's dresses.  And the many Pueblo communities of New Mexico use lots of lace and floral printed fabric to make their traditional dresses.

The modern Indigenous people are amazing! I am so in love with our creative collective.  We have been highly gifted by Creator God to be able to make our own unique attire.  I really believe in the cross-cultural sharing or inspiration that we all seem to share.  I know from experience though that it is not appropriate to take and copy tribal designs and iconography.  Instead one show find their own inspiration and be inspired by what our Indigenous brothers and sisters are creating.

Keep the creative spirit flowing!

Blessings all around you.

(posted by Venaya Yazzie

12-13-18)

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2018

"Movements of Change: New Mexico Navajo Protest 1974" Photos by Bob Fitch

Neo Navajo, existing within borders of racism in the American Southwest is the current status of many Indigenous people in the Four Corners communities.  The Dine', Pueblo, Apache and Ute people of the states of New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and Colorado continue to strive and gain footing in the 21st century. Once upon a time our tribal ancestors were not allowed to speak or act in the 'bordertown' communities, but now the current ancestor are finding their way to justice.

Today, I present some snapshots I took at the public photography display at San Juan College in Farmington, NM.  The black and white images were taken by Photographer Bob Fitch. These images are strong, the narrative they tell are full of truth and reality. I am so happy to have viewed these images for they document the struggle of the Dine'/ Navajo people in the bordertown racism of Farmington, NM in the early 1970s.

Here they are,  the following images are phone snapshots of original photos by Bob Fitch:

Photo by Photographer Bob Fitch (1974)
Displayed at San Juan College in Farmington, NM 2018
I have reposted here as a means of educating the public of the racism that
was and still is common place in the 'bordertown' community.

Photo by Photographer Bob Fitch (1974)
Displayed at San Juan College in Farmington, NM 2018
I have reposted here as a means of educating the public of the racism that
was and still is common place in the' 'bordertown' community

Photo by Photographer Bob Fitch (1974)
Displayed at San Juan College in Farmington, NM 2018
I have reposted here as a means of educating the public of the racism that
was and still is common place in the 'bordertown' community

Display narrative at San Juan College display of
"Movements of Change: New Mexico Navajo Protest 1974" Photos by Bob Fitch

Photo by Photographer Bob Fitch (1974)
Displayed at San Juan College in Farmington, NM 2018
I have reposted here as a means of educating the public of the racism that
was and still is common place in the 'bordertown' community

I share this images by Bob Fitch as a direct means of showing the reality of the Dine' / Navajo people who live in the San Juan Valley in northwest New Mexico, USA. Today, racism is still perpetuate in the Farmington, NM community.  The behavior of racism ideology by some of the Anglo community is bold and continues to create disharmony in the Indigenously-diverse space of Farmington. Racism is present in business, transactions, and on the streets. Though they continue their ill manners and negative ideals about the Navajo and other Indigenous people, WE are not going to go away, this is our ancestral homelands, it will always be.

If you have a chance to see this display do so, it is a blessing and will open your eyes. Get woke!

Blessings all around.

posted by Venaya Yazzie 2018
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED


#racism # Indigenous #Navajo #fourcorners #tribal #resistance #reality #1974 #NewMexico

Mocs in the hogan

Mocs near the hogan & cedar fireplace
Photo credit: Venaya J. Yazzie 2018

The winter season is near. The early morning chill of late November linger upon the high desert, mesa earth in northwest New Mexico: Dine'tah, (Navajoland).

This week I was able to be present among a community of young generation Dine' (Navajo) people. Through my curriculum design titled: Hogan Poetry I shared knowledge and experience with high school students a private school called Navajo Preparatory School in To'ta' (Farmington) NM.

Along with a fellow Dine' artist and poet, Esther Belin, we presented a poetry/literature workshop within the school's Navajo hogan.

The early morning class (7:55 am) begun with starting the fire in the hooghan. Soon the scent of burning cedar wood was fresh in the air, and the crackling of the red logs was rang through the space.  The students, who hail for all across Dine' reservation, huddled side by side on cedar benches, waiting for us to begin the poetry workshop session.

This time of year is fascinating for the Dine' people, the five human senses are treated to a plethora of beautyful moments. The day I spent with the Navajo students was a blessing for me as they expressed their inspiration and creative abilities as they composed and shared their original poetry works.  And furthermore, as a Dine' poet I was ableto express my great love of the Navajo tradition of Navajo Poetics via Navajo songs and prayers of the People.

As with most of my speaking and workshop engagements I always dress in the appropriate Dine' women's cultural attire. So, on this day  I work my velvet Navajo skirt and blouse, and also my Navajo women's moccasins called Ke'tsaal. As a Navajo woman I am continually walking in the steps and ways of my female matriarchs.  This Navajo teaching of asdzaa is very important to perpetuate, for the reason that gender is a vital and fundamental part of our Dine' culture.

Every day, every moment I am blessed to be a member of my tribal Dine' and Hopi nations, I am honored have such an identity.  Nothing compares.

Blessings all around.

VJY

(posted 11-29-18)

Eastern Dine'tah

New Mexico, USA

New Turquoise acquistions

These earrings were acquired this past weekend at the annual Autry Indian Art Market in Los Angeles, CA. They were hand made by Kewa (Santa Domingo Pueblo) artist Warren Nieto. I was able to purchase them directly from the artist.

Ghaajíí in my world, in my hair, in my talk

Ghaaji mocs
Photo by Venaya Yazzie
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2018

"Feelin' supa dope..." Hehe! I love fall, autumn, well, this time of season.  For us as Dine', we refer to this time of changing seasons as Ghaajíí. It does not literally mean "October" as no English word can truly live up to the Dine' language.

This weekend I was able to be present in my Navajo ancestral lands in Chinle, AZ. I was able to trek the land in the area of Canyon De Chelly. The place itself has been designated as U.S. National Park, but to us as Dine' it is and always will be our homelands. The area in the canyon is a sacred, holy place. It is a place of historic blessing but also violence and death by the hands of the American calvary.  But, we as Dine' we are resilient and we are still here, striving, existing.

But, I visited the place to pray and to give thanks for all that I have in my life as a Dine'/ Hopi woman.  The evening light was brilliant when I visited, and it felt as though the People were present, it was good.

I am so very thankful for the blessings I have received, this time of season is how I feel.

Enjoy your life, Creator's children.

Blessings All Around.

VJY

The work of an artist is never done!

The work of an artist is never done!

So, I usually find myself clearing a some space to eat on or near my art studio table. This past month has been very busy for  me - and I am constantly working between different art works. I thought I'd post of a pic of my food break. This week I ate some good ol' New Mexican Lotaburger, with green chile of course! 

It was so delicious and gave me much energy to keep working that Yazzgrl Art.

Blessings.

21st Dine' Studies Conf. Venaya presents 'Be Matriarch, Not Feminist...'

I am pleased and very blessed to be a presenter at the annual Dine' Studies Conference 2018 in Tsaile, AZ. I will be presenting my research on Dine' Matriarchy, Dine' Women, Dine' Asdzaa society and also will be on a panel.

BLESSINGS all Around!

Yazzgrl Art Earrings

Yazzgrl Art Earrings in a vintage suitcase (sticker by NSRGNTS)
Photo by Venaya Yazzie 2018
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

New Yazzgrl Art Earring designs now available in my Squareup Store site.

Yazzgrl Art Earrings

Visit soon to see them all!

Blessings all around

Original 'Be Matriarch' handbag designed by Venaya Yazzie at Yazzgrl Art Designs

Original 'Be Matriarch' handbag designed by Venaya Yazzie at Yazzgrl Art Designs
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2018

Newest handbag design I designed and created in homage to my desert matriarchs who have consistently used and upcycled the Four Corner area product, the Blue Bird Flour cotton bag.

BE MATRIARCH!
#bematriarch

'Be Matriarch' Original Handbags by Venaya Yazzie - Yazzgrl Art Designs

I have been busy as Autumn is approaching. Here is one image of my newest 'Be Matriarch' Original Handbags I designed and created. They are based on the concept of "re-purposing" in mind. This bag is made with 90% re-purpose items such as the duck canvas, zipper, leather, printed fabric and floral scarf.

In Beauty.

Dine' (Navajo) made turquoise cluster earrings

Dine' (Navajo) made turquoise cluster earrings
Photo credit: Venaya Yazzie 2018
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Pretty much all my life, I've been in the company of the revered southwest Indigenous gem: turquoise. Whether it is in its raw, unprocessed form or made into a modern Dine' jewelry piece, turquoise is the center of our Indigenous universe.  For thousands of years the Dine', the Pueblo and Apache have had turquoise within their narrative. In 2018 this mainstay is still at the center of many people's life.

Though mainstream American culture has adopted the personal adornment use of turquoise and have made it infamously trendy, turquoise use in North America is rooted withing the community of southwest Indigenous tribes.  It has origins in many of our Indigenous creation stories and stand as a type of amulet that perpetuates protection of self and spirit. But, I should also express that this mineral has also been used in the past by other global cultures including the people of Tibet and the royalty in ancient Egypt.

I share this image as a means of showcasing contemporary designs of modern Dine' silversmiths. I acquired this pair of Dine' turquoise cluster earrings one year at the annual Northern Navajo Nation Fair in Shiprock, New Mexico, USA.  For me the best way to buy such Dine'-made jewelry pieces is directly from the maker. So I must express that these were purchased by a Dine' artist who was walking, vending down the parade route in Shiprock.

I wanted to share this too because I hope you learned a little more about the use of turquoise. It is a valued mineral for more than just its monetary value, and its more about the spiritual and origin.

Bless.

Posted by Venaya Yazzie 

7/31/18

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2018

Hold Fast to your Matriarchs

"Hold fast to your Matriarchs."
Photo by Venaya Yazzie - Yazzgrl Art
2018 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

The times are tumultuous for modern people on this planet. In this continent the same can be said, as we have national leaders who are evil and liars since 1492. But, we as Indigenous people, have lived in such chaos since a time called "contact." We've endured true evil acts upon us as human beings, but we endured and now we still survive. Because of all our Indigenous ancestors have been through, we current ancestors, are steadfast and even more resilient; its in our DNA. Though "They" continue to ignore our existence and treat us with grand disrespect, "They" are the lost, because we as Indigenous still have our prays, our songs, our ways of Being.  We know the real historical truth of our existence. We, who are the original inhabitants of this land in north america - Creator made it so. We are a blessed people, Creator made it so. He spoke us into existence, and we breathed first air into our lungs. Today we talk the talk and continue to walk the walk - a Red Road that was made in a sacred way for us, Creator's children. This moment in contemporary society was created and meant to destroy us, but our Indigenous identity and spirit will never be taken from us. Right now we still have our Indigenous Matriarchs and Grandfather's who continue to hold fast to our hands, to teach us, to lead us into the coming events. Right now we Indigenous live life confidently because of their shared prayers and songs passed on to us. And we Indigenous perpetuate our revered protections: turquoise and cultural regalia in our modern lives. Today, we are Present and Woke. Believe it. So, go forth and p r a y and b l e s s each other Brothers and Sisters.

Posted 7/18/18
By Venaya Yazzie
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Dine' and Tibetan, the Turquoise Parallels

Tibetan Woman
Photo credit: Instagram via TibetPortraits Lhasa
By Brant Knutzen(2003) 2018

Of the plethora of parallels that exist among the Tibetan people and the Dine', the most notable concerns personal adornment practice, or as I express "Indigenous Adornment." This blog entry concerns those existing similarities, especially when it comes to female personal adornment.

Originating from the high-desert community of northwest New Mexico, and being a woman, I have lived and experienced the expression of southwest Indigenous Adornment. Growing up I always seen my maternal clan matriarchs cultural adornment steadfast with turquoise.  The gem turquoise has been a mainstay for the Dine' and Pueblo people of New Mexico and also the Apache and Hopi nations of Arizona.  For among the Dine', the turquoise is believed to be a positive amulet that brings safety and continual protection, mentally, spiritually and physically for the wearer. 

Doing my research in the area of Indigenous Adornment in the "americas" and in the Tibetan cultural, the fact is that we both share the same reverence for turquoise. The main difference being that the Tibetan people prefer to wear raw, unprocessed turquoise, while among the Dine' wearing turquoise in various forms of processing does not matter much. Instead, many Dine' wear and use turquoise as a means of symbolically perpetuating: balance, harmony, protection.

Also on her person is her coral necklace pieces and also the one coral piece on her headdress. Again the Navajo use coral as a major part of their southwestern adornment efforts.

I share the image above as an example of how the modern Tibetan female wears turquoise on her person. It seems that a favorite way of 'adornment' in Tibetan culture has the individual affixing turquoise directly to their hair, something that I have not seen Navajo people do.

#IndigenousAdornment

This photo capture by Brant Knutzen via Instagram is one of many outstanding images of the Indigenous people in Tibet.

(posted 7-1-18/ edited 7/6/18

  by Venaya Yazzie

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)

Desert woman's hands; my hands

Hand(s) Portrait
Photo credit: Eileen Braziel 2018
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Every person who walks into you path is a divine appoint to your life journey. This is what I truly believe- that Creator God has pre-destine our lives. I am thankful for the "art" people in my life, they bring their gifts and bless me with them.

The earth too blesses me life, I am continually inspired by the beauty of 'her' - the earth, my muse.

I really love this picture, it tells a grand story of my life as a southwestern desert woman, as a Navajo/Hopi artist. Everyday I wear the turquoise adornments that carry 'story' too.

Blessings

Hopi Pueblo sun symbol

Sterling silver post earrings

Photo by Yazzgrl Art 2018

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

This posting concerns the Hopi Pueblo design of the sun (symbol). I acquired these new post-style earrings directly from the artist. These are made with sterling silver metal including: turquoise, jet and mother-of-pearl shell. The Hopi Pueblo consider this motif as that of hope and blessing.

Planting season

"Ha'dile'"

Photo by Venaya Yazzie 2018

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED - Yazzgrl Art

Even in the chaos of modernity in North America, the ways of the southwest Indigenous person is still being perpetuated from season to season.

In this month of June which for the Navajo person concerns the beginning of the planting season, but also to describe the earth season/ weather. For the Navajo person, the act of planting or farming concern the state of living or existing in  'beauty.'  Once nomadic, the 21st century Navajo people have adapted to the sedentary lifestyle and have become farmers. Many only plant the following: corn varieties (Blue corn, Yellow corn, White corn), melons and squash. All of which have specific cultural meaning and use in traditional family culture. In many cases the Indigenous person/ farmer in the southwest use only heirloom seeds, such seeds are only available in the family. I have been able to replant the seeds from my great-grandparents, and also have planted heirloom blue corn seeds from my Hopi relatives.

Although the Dine' - Navajo language has no definitions for the Euro -American calendar days or months, we do have a expression that describes this beginning of June, beginning of Summer season. Many contemporary Navajo people, express "June" as "ya’iishjááshchilí" - which concerns  the corn plant and its "little corn tassles."

I share this capture above as a narrative about the farming tradition of my own family in eastern Dine', Navajoland, USA. My great-grandparents were ardent farmers: my cheii planted corn and my masani' planted the squash and the melon varieties. This family tradition is in my blood, I have planted these vegetables as means of continuing the narrative of my family's existence in this area of northwest New Mexico and in the area of Navajoland called eastern Dine'tah.

Speaking from a personal perspective, the act and process of farming is medicinal for me. I know the many blessings that are bestowed from farming the land, which comes from a sacred way of living and in much respect.

(Posted by Venaya Yazzie 2018
06-11-18
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)

SW Indigenous artisans and "fakes"

Kewa (Santo Domingo Pueblo) made earrings
Photo by Venaya Yazzie 2018
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

New acquisition into my southwestern desert jewelry collection. I purchases this pair of earrings directly from the Indigenous artist this weekend.

These authentic Indigenous Pueblo-made earrings were created in the ancient Pueblo style called "mosiac" design. These earrings include the following desert minerals: turquoise, black jet, and I am not sure of the yellow mineral. They also include mother-of-pearl shell and feature sterling silver findings and hooks.  I was able to talk with the Kewa (Santo Domingo Pueblo) artist about his work before I purchased it, which I feel is vital in buying "real" authentic southwestern Indigenous jewelry.

As I mentioned in a previous post, if it is possible BUY DIRECTLY FROM THE INDIGENOUS (Native American) TRIBAL ARTIST.  By doing this you are ensuring the sovereignty of the Indigenous peoples ways of life, and overall artistic, creative expression.  In today's climate there is far too many fake jewelry pieces in the southwestern jewelry market.  This is particularly true in tourist towns such as: Santa Fe, Gallup, Flagstaff and other towns that border Indigenous / 'Indin' reservation communities who feature authentic "American Indian Jewelry."  Via the American western Anglo-drive trading posts and pawn shops and other so called Native American curio shops, there is fraud. This ill tradition began as early as the late 1900s when Euro-American Anglo people (particularly men) were seeing, or experiencing the southwestern INDIGENOUS ART of New Mexico and Arizona.

Nowdays, non-Indigenous (non-Navajo, non-Pueblo) people are perpetuating THEFT of INDIGENOUS ART.  Non-Indigenous business owners are stealing, copying and re-creating Indigenous peoples designs via jewelry and the Navajo rugs. In many cases they are photographing our art designs and then sending them off to foreign lands such as the Philippines, China, the Middle East and South America for non-Navajo, non-Pueblo artisans to re-create and therefore, make fake copies of our jewelry. All you have to do is walk down the tourist areas of say Santa Fe, NM and see curio shops selling knock-off jewelry items. Many times they are labeled as "authentic Native American made." Don't be deceived, be vigilant and instead ask questions and buy directly from the Indigenous artist when possible.

I share this post as a means of educating the public at large on modern issues we face as Indigenous jewelry artisans in a time of continually colonization.

Blessings.

 (Posted 06-11-18
by Venaya Yazzie
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)

R E S I L I E N C E in modern SW tribal dress

Modern Indigenous Adornment items
Photo by Venaya Yazzie
2018 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

The continual use of southwestern cultural jewelry via turquoise and silver and other woven garments is a pure form of R E S I L I E N C E by contemporary tribal people. Including myself and my family, other of these people include: Navajo, Pueblo, Apache, Zuni and other low and high desert Indigenous Peoples of NM, AZ and UT.

First of all, happy June to all! To those who are reading this Indigenous Adornment blog I was given the Venaya Yazzie (Navajo/ Hopi) from my mother and my late father. And, I was born and raised in the Americas in the area of northwest New Mexico. Born on the sovereign Navajo Nation I was raised off and on the eastern region of the great Navajo reservation. I was raised up by my maternal grandparents who are of the Manyhogans and Two Waters Flow Together clans and have my Hopi family ties to First Mesa in AZ.

I began this Indigenous Adornment blog with the hope of sharing my culture(s) with those who visit this site. And therefore, I contribute work that I hope acts as a way of creating 'community.' The perpetuation of Indigenous knowledge and in the education-share of the First-Footprint People of the Americas I always want to ensure all areas I cover are correct and true. This posting concerns the resiliency of my tribal people via their personal 'adornment' practices. From the American fashion garments to handcrafted and made Navajo and Pueblo sterling silver jewelry, the 21st century Indigenous person is steadfast in a proud identity.

One sure thing is that I am daily amidst my desert woman matriarchs, which includes my maternal grandmother, shi' masani, other female family members. And therefore, I am able to witness their diverse expressions of Indigenous Adornment, so I am daily enriched and inspired by such' adornment' practices. Most all of the cultural jewelry items worn and owned by tribal people such as the Navajo, concerns heirloom items such as turquoise and silver necklaces and bracelets. So, when a modern young Navajo, who adores modern fashions such as skinny jeans and denim floral jackets, pairs them with a beautiful Navajo Squash Blossom, a 'Neo Navajo' look is born!  Personally I like to pair a basic black Converse with a more traditional-style of Navajo woman's three-tiered skirt.  Other times I like to where a Russian floral trade scarf with a cute leather jacket.  The point is a that modern Indigenous people are strong as ever in their tribal identities.  Though this post concerns 'adornment' or even 'fashion' it is true we  have adapted to the Euro-American way of life in many ways. And it is true too, that through the many years of American colonization, many of us have overcome terrible hardships and trials and now in 2018 we survive and thrive.

What I am expressing is that we will always hold our tribal traditions close to our spirit(s) and with this in mind, we can still adapt to new ways and in the end we are resilient and strong and look forward to our futures.

Posted on 06-05-18
by Venaya Yazzie
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Yazzgrl Art: Process

Captures of my current Yazzgrl Art
Photo by Venaya Yazzie 2018
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

The mainstay within my artwork content is the Indigenous woman. I am much inspired by my high-desert matriarchs of the Dine' (Navajo) and Pueblo people of the Four Corners area, the Rio Grande Valley and Hopi Pueblo(s).

The current works on paper are inspired by my own Dine' relatives (my aunts, cousin sisters) and too by my Dine' clan relatives. In the Dine' ways of being, many of us are 'clan related' if we belong to the same clan groups.  Being raised up by my maternal grandmother and her family of female relatives I have always found inspiration from their lives.

As an adult I am now amidst the "life" of the Dine' matriarch, which concerns a plethora of duties and other activities. As a care giver for my grandmother I am perpetually in her company and therefore much mused by her life.

The image(s) I share concern the concepts of the southwest Indigenous Adornment of my matriarchs. Our life philosophies emit narrative of turquoise and silver, and hair bundling and braiding, as a means of finding and keeping that "balance" of a woman's life.  The acts of 'adornment' concern the spiritual and also teaching in how a Dine' woman is to respect herself by caring for her person.

I will continue working on this new series of work that celebrates the Beautyway of the Indigenous matriarch.

Blessings in All things.

(posted  4-29-18

 by Venaya Yazzie

 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)

Diné Women Poets & National Poetry Month

Official Poster Announcement from Cortez Public Library 2018

On Friday, April 20, 2018 five Dine' women poets from the Four Corners communities of New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona and Utah converged at the Cortez Public Library in southwestern Colorado to celebrate National Poetry Month. The event was coordinated by Librarian Kathy Berg and her staff.  The event poster announcement I posted contains information about the event and sponsors.  I share this information on my blog as a means of celebrating the Arts in the Four Corners community.

Invited Dine' (Navajo) poetess' included:

Tacey Atsitty (Navajo)
Esther Belin (Navajo)
Tina Deschenie (Dine'/ Hopi)

Gloria Emerson (Navajo)

Venaya Yazzie (Dine'/Hopi)

Although I was late in arrival to the event, I was able to enjoy the poetry reading shares of Gloria Emerson and Tina Deschenie.  As a poet in the high desert southwest I feel so very blessed and humbled to have been given the opportunity to read along side these empowered desert matriarchs. I have included a photo capture of all of us after the event.

Navajo poets: (L to R)
Venaya Yazzie, Tina Deschenie, Esther Belin, Gloria Emerson, Tacey Atsity

Please support the Indigenous poets of North America, Canada, Mexico and South America, there is a plethora of diverse voices in all communities.  The real narratives of each Dine' women was heard that night as we all share our experiences in the 21st century as tribal members and also as women in the Arts and writing communities.  The matriarch elder of the group was artist and poet Gloria Emerson who is such a blessing to all of us as she stands steadfast as a leader in her community.

If you would like more information on the above listed poets just 'google' their names and I'm sure you will find out much. But, I will include a link from the Cortez Journal for more information.

Navajo Poetess'

Many Blessings.

(posted 4-23-18 by Venaya Yazzie)

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Collaboration with Arizona Photographer Amy S. Martin & Yazzgrl Art

Women Protectors - Photo series by Amy S. Martin and Venaya Yazzie 2018

Capture from Instagram account of Yazzgrl Art - Venaya Yazzie

This year has been a blessing for me.  My path has crossed with a high desert Colorado Plateau fine art Photographer, Amy S. Martin.  We have collaborated via our imagery and design in this new project titled "Voices of the Colorado Plateau" which includes portraits of Indigenous women of the Navajo Nation and Eastern Dine' Nation in which I am a representative.  I have included a capture of my Instagram art account Yazzgrl.Art to display one image done by Martin.

It was as such a blessing to work with Amy when she visited New Mexico last month.  I was able to share my family's cultural history of our homelands and our unique cultural landscape.  This image was taken at the family lands at Dzilthnaodithle (Huerfano, NM).

The image of of  me dressed and adorned in my family-made Dine' cultural women's attire, a wool dress called a 'biil' was taken by Amy on her visit. The art image in the background is my artwork which consists of a New Mexico Bluebird, or in the Dine' language this being is referred to as "Dolii."

I include this artist description by Amy S. Martin from her website (http://www.amysmartinphotography.com/p159598639)

Diverging from traditional environmentalist thought, I believe landscape is a synthesis of elements inextricably linked to the physical land, encompassing ecology, history and culture. Through a collection of collaborative portraits, this series celebrates Indigenous women on the Colorado Plateau who are advocating for protection of their culture, communities, and endangered lands through their actions, words and art. These portraits honor kinship with the land, reveal what is at stake if these landscapes and cultures are lost, and celebrate the strength of the women who are on the frontlines of their protection.

My hope in sharing is  that you will be blessed and inspired by the efforts of Amy and also myself as a contributor.

Blessings,
VJY

Sodizin everytime.

Art design by Venaya Yazzie
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2018

Prayer.

This expression of the human in most Indigenous societies is essential for a 'good life.'

Via American social trends and cultural 'norms', prayer has become absent in the lives of most people, including the 21st century Indigenous person. For the Dine' person "sodizin" is the expression of thankfulness and happiness and balance for our lives.

The state of prayer in the lives of southwestern tribal individuals is how many of us keep our daily senses. Creator has given us the ability to pray as a means of 'humbling' ourselves.  We must NOT forget this essential part of our culture Indigenous people! Decolonize your mind, your ways from non-Indigenous pop culture. We are a complex mix of unique and sacred beings, don't homogenize yourself.

Be Indigenous!

Be Matriarch!

Be and do prayer.

Blessings All Around you.

VJY

04-18-18

Asdzaa doo Hastiin

Historical photo of Navajo man and woman

Source: World Wide Web

The roles we exist as in the Dine' (Navajo) ways of life, of being are so very important.

This innate assignment was given to use on the day of our birth. We were either made to be a male or female via our physical, mental and emotional state. The distinct roles as distinct genders in Navajo culture is like an act of sacred prayer. Existence of either the male or the female  concerns not only to our identity as Dine' people, as asdzaa, woman or as hastiin, man, but also to the specific roles we inhabit in our cultural ways.  To be sure, the 21st century has plagued our Dine' ways of being with many social ills, and new foreign practices of living and thinking which concerns American assimilation. Though there are a plethora of examples, present (Euro American) society which includes philosophers and educators, are stating that gender does not exist or does not matter. This is blasphemy against Indigenous epistemology, our Indigenous knowledge is who we are, it is our truth.  Our communal knowledge of male and female is how we were divinely made by Creator God. He made us distinct in our genders, for the Dine' it is asdzaa and hastiin.

We as unique genders 'balance' ourselves out, we compliment one another and that is an extension of what we as Dine' express as "hozho." Here in the desert southwest, gender roles are held to the highest esteem by many tribal members, such roles are necessary and relevant in keeping our ceremonial and social activities in tact and pure.

We as Indigenous need to hold on steadfast to our ancestral ways of being and stop being fooled by the trends of Euro-American society. This conscious way of living as an Indigenous person in modern urban life is what is expressed as "decolonizing."

Bless each other by speaking the truth of who we are as Indigenous, we are not "Them" - we are sacred Indigenous.

In a good way.

SW Indigenous Women's Power in 2018

Pueblo women in traditional

women's garments

Photo sources: World Wide Web

I really adore this historic photo. Its a simple portrait of a southwestern woman dressed in her best Pueblo-style women's garments. She stands in her stillness so beautiful and powerful.

As a southwestern Indigenous woman I know the feeling of this 'power' she holds, for I too know it as I often wear my cultural garments. Its a way of being that really cannot be described, but only to say I feel like a time-traveler in my desert moccasins and women garments and of course, turquoise!

In this image the ancestor femme wears a Pueblo-style woven dress, manta wrap, white deer skin moccasins and leg wraps and a silver bead and naja necklace adornment.  I assume it may be a Navajo-made necklace because at this point in history, Navajoland hosted a plethora of silversmiths.  And one characteristic of early Navajo silver jewelry, such as this squash blossom type, was made with not turquoise, just pure silver. I also love this image for the fact that the women seems to be very unique in her look. She seems to be very light-skinned and has light-colored hair in this photo, so as an observer I believe she may be albino.  I have met many Pueblo people from New Mexico and Arizona who are albino.  I many cause these people are revered and honored for their difference in phenotype.

In the chaos of the 21st century it is a relief to know I have a 'power' in my cultural ways of being, as I can still honor my southwest ancestors, my desert matriarchs and adorn myself in these ancient traditions. Its a way of being a 'warrior woman' - knowing this grand history of them is my super power indeed!

Blessings all around.

Posted March 2, 2018
by Venaya Yazzie
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2018

Navajo Times article by Sonja Horoshko on my artwork in group show

February 1, 2018 screenshot of  Navajo Times article on my artwork.
Story authored by Sonja Horoshko, Cortez area Journalist.

As an Indigenous artist, as a woman artist I am very cognizant of the of the dialogue produced by the art I am inspired to produce.

In observation of my current work(s) I realize who it concerns an audience outside the boundaries of Navajoland, in my opinion its a good thing, but also a large responsibility. In being an artist all my life, but a professional practicing artist I believe that I've matured as a poet, as a visual artist so now I understand the necessity of my one voice to the greater narrative.

The decision to work in with the voice of my activist self is a blessing, from this decision I have been able to be active in the dialog of not only the uranium issue, but also Desert Rock, the Gold King Mine Spill, Chaco Canyon fracking and currently Bears Ears.... these are all issues that have reached all areas of Navajoland.

I share this with you because 'place' and the natural world are essential for me as an artist.  The land is my muse. For the Navajo, the Pueblo and other southwest high desert tribal people, the story of the land is shared, but specific areas and sacred sites have a complex narrative behind them and therefore are so important in my art created, these are the stories of 'Nahasaan Shima', Mother Earth.

The people, the land, the animals and sky all intrigue and inspire me greatly.

Blessings in All things.