Johnson Yazzie
Yellow Corn Coyote Gap Clan
I am emerging into the art world like a butterfly coming out of its cocoon. Nature guides the new butterfly into the unknown world with little or no expectation of rewards but it journeys on to enrich other lives wherever it lands. This journey for me has been an eye opener. I have come to realize emergence is a process and not an event. It started in 1988. Since then I have traveled the circuit of the art world. I must say life on the road is both good and not so good, but I don't regret the path I have chosen. The process of emergence will always be challenging with its ups and downs. I always look forward to its rewards.
Over the years as I have traveled, I accumulated friends who've become family. Who else other than a family member can give one hundred percent support?
I find joy in doing student art workshops. Kids are amazing artists. Give them ten minutes and they'll come out with amazing ideas that will blow you away! You cannot imagine how much you will learn from them by watching their artwork as it takes shape. I tell them we are here to learn from one another. This way both of us have an understanding of openness and freedom to put our artistic ability to the test, leaving the instructions to the teachers. All students are emerging artists, with lots of potential and curiosity. I hope only the best for them.
I am a member of a non-profit group named Reunion of the Masters. The group is composed of prominent Native American and non-Native American artists. We work with the Southwest Indian Foundation of Gallup, New Mexico to promote Native American art and also to develop artistic talent among area students.
My painting style is realistic, and is painted in the style of the Old Dutch Masters, with dark under painting, followed by layers of paint. I begin each canvas with heavy washes of dark colors, and slowly bring the figures forward out of that darkness. As the individuality of each portrait establishes itself, the mood, the background colors and the details fall into place. I use pastel chalks in this same manner.
I have a long-term goal to expand my horizons and become an even better painter. My belief is that learning and growing should continue until one's last day. Pursuit of new art opportunities, adventures and exploration are part of my emergence and advancement in my life as both person and artist.
Many of my paintings have been portraits of American Indians, Indian faces, ceremonial gatherings and scenes of the everyday life on a reservation. This intrigues me as much as any other subject I have painted. Not all American Indians live on reservations, however, the ones that do will tell you their way of life is not like it used to be. With that in mind if it isn't already too late, I believe that now is the time to start recording these native peoples' art, artifacts and their stories so they can be preserved for the future generations to see for themselves what their ancestors may have looked like.
I want to reach into other levels of the art world and explore opportunities that I may have rejected in the past. This means that I want to study my subject matter more in depth in terms of humanity, not just the subject's appearance. That journey is still ahead of me.
The story, written in Navajo and English, follows the journey of Cinnibah, a young Navajo maiden who lives in the deep Dinétah. She looks after her widowed father, and every day she grinds corn into flour to make their bread. To do so, she uses a metate—an ancient grinding stone that has been passed down in her family for generations. When Cinnibah accidentally shatters the metate, she sets out on a journey to find someone who can help her mend the stone. Her quest brings her to a Moccasin Maker, a Potter, and, finally, the mysterious Stone Cutter. Will he be willing to help her?
A story about loss and recovery, with strong ties to family and community, The Stone Cutter and the Navajo Maiden is an excellent early reader for both Navajo children and school children in need of learning more about Navajo culture.
Vee F. Browne is from Cottonwood/Tselani, Arizona, and is a member of the Navajo Nation, belonging to the Bitter Water and Water Flows Together clans. She obtained her master's in arts from Western New Mexico University in 1990. A journalist, educator, and fiction writer, Ms. Browne is also an Arizona Interscholastic Athletic Association volleyball and basketball referee. As an award-winning author, she has received much acclaim for her children's books, including Monster Slayer and Monster Birds.
July 8 - 10, 2011
Edwards Fine Arts and Sculpture Festival in Edwards, CO.
July 15 - 16, 2011
6th Annual White Mountains Roundup at Blue Ridge High School, in Pintop/Lakeside, AZ
August 10-14, 2011
Reunion of Masters Show at the Gallup Cultural Center with Art of The People foundation, Gallup, NM
October 15, 2011
Indigenous Visions at Heard Museum Shops, 10:am - 2:pm in Phoenix, AZ
Video from Arizona
Fine Arts Expo 2011
Art of The People - a non-profit organization encouraging a new generation of artist to a renewal of this tradition of excellence, thus activating, preserving and invigorating our Native American culture through various forms of art.
Thunderbird Artists - Thunderbird Artists juried fine art festivals in Arizona, Texas and Colorado. Our art festivals feature artists from all over the world, wine tasting, chocolate and live entertainment. Come see fine art on display, participate in wine tasting and experience the custom fine art atmosphere. Take home a new work of art, taste all the wonderful wine at our wine festivals, and chocolate at our chocolate festivals. See artists working, and much more at Thunderbird Artists Fine Art and Wine festivals.
Heard Museum - a world renowned museum offers Native American artwork, pottery, books, textiles, and jewelry. Provides volunteer, tour and exhibit information.
Salina Bookshelf - founded in 1994, is an independent publisher of textbooks, children's picture books, reference books, and electronic media in Navajo and English. These dual language materials captivate young and old readers alike. Many books include an audio CD narrated in Navajo and English for use in the home or classroom. Authentic depictions of Navajo life, both contemporary and traditional, are portrayed throughout the entire collection of materials offered. These resources have broad appeal in classrooms, adult centers, libraries, and homes to teach the Navajo language and culture.
Fine Canvas Prints - a fine art archival and reproduction company in Phoenix, AZ.
Igor Brezhnev - an idea shaman that helped to build this website.
For information on artwork available for sale and art workshops please contact Johnson Yazzie at 928.535.9001 or by email at jjyazziearts@gmail.com
You can also connect with Johnson on Facebook