Johnny Yazzie, on of the major contributors to the popularity and growth of contemporary Indian painting, was born on December 29,1945 on the Navajo Reservation east of Tuba City, AZ. Johnny received his education at Tuba City Boarding School and later transferred to Sherman Institute in Riverside, CA. As time progressed, Johnny moved to Santa Fe, NM where he attendeed the Institute of American Indian Arts and the College of Santa Fe. there he finished with his Associates Degree in Fine Art. Johnny attributes his interests and natural talents to his upbringing in a very traditional Navajo environment. His father was a medicine man and his mother a traditional weaver. He realized that this was a source of income that required time, interest, and dedication to perfect a profession that is profitable and unique. Despite any formal education or training, Johnny is now one of the msot successful artists in the United States. Internatioal art collectors bought his paintings, sculptures and jewelry. He says "I have acquired many friends internationally who have a real appreciation for my work and my culture." Johnny is well known for his Southwest and Plains scenery paintings. He says, "Many people ask me why I paint plains and pueblo scenes," he states, "The Plains Indians are a part of my extended family and the Pueblos have been my neighbors for as long as I can remember. It is natural for me." His love for nature, spirituality and people are usually illustrated through his paintings. He enjoys and loves to share these feelings with other people who have a real appreciation for humanity and nature. Johnny also sees his artwork as a way to contribute to history and literature for generations to come. This is essential to those who will not have had the opportunity to live in a society where many of the transitions in the Indian way of life have been so prevalent. Johnny has been a member of the Oklahoma Art League. He has also exhibited his art at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, NM, The Heard Museum in Phoenix, AZ an art galleries/shows in Dever CO, Santa Monica, CA, Sedona, AZ and Albuquerque, NM. He also won awards at the New Mexico State Fair and many other places. Johnny's paintings are in Europe, Germany, Japan and many other nations. |
