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| 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.
