Johnson Yazzie
Artist Johnson Yazzie, creates what he feels is in his heart and mind. He paints and sculpts what he’s envisioned or imagined before a formation is created.
“My painting style is realistic, expressionist and abstract, all followed by layers of paint,” Yazzie explains. “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 subject establishes itself, the mood, the background colors and the details fall into place. I also use pastel chalks in the same manner.”
Yazzie believes that doing what you love is the key to discovering oneself. “I am always growing, spiritually, artistically and mentally,” he says. “Authenticity is in the culture of the Indian artist. How authentic can art be if not developed from the mind and heart as an artist demonstrates. Art touches people and it can also anchor a person to the ground. Being grounded improves people so they are no longer strangers to one another, particularly in their hearts and on the land they walk.”
Make sure to check Yazzie’s website for information regarding his show at the Bernalillo Indian Arts Festival, beginning
October 3, 2020. Details about the festival can be found at www.bernalilloindianfestival.com.
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P.O. Box 7130 | Pinon, AZ 86510 (928) 409-9530 | www.stretcharthorizon.com