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Alvin John Painting & Steel Sculptures

    My Philosophy of Art   

      My art work imbeds the traditional Navajo Philosophy of adhering to the principles and guidelines of being an  artist. Only through ceremonial participation and a deep respect for traditional values can one receive blessings from the Holy ones to represent Navajo Art..

       The capturing style of my sculpture art is concentrated on three dimensional contemporary designs to draw out various details of  traditional colors and concepts. The materials that I concentrate on are stainless steel, metal, copper and stone. Certain techniques are carefully employed to achieve the desired form.

       My art begins at the unconscious level. In the midst of creating, I stop to contemplate the process by studying  the relationships of color, spatial and proportions looking for clues that will give my art a polished look. The art is completed when all the elements (color, composition, form, space, line) work together in harmony.  Art must  come from the heart and mind.  I believe the true value of art lies not in its technical accomplishment but in the  quality and depth of its expression.

        Inspiration

       Navajo Traditional arts, stories, ceremonial experiences of Sand Paintings and Ye'ii Bichei dances.

       From my beloved Parents; Sam John and Mary Nez John who instructed me on the art of rug weaving which entails the processing of various plants to obtain dyes, the stories of such tasks and ultimately the design itself. 

        Awards

           Jan 2007    Litchfield Invitational Art Festival 1st Place Metal Sculpture

           Nov 2006   Santa Fe Indian Market Winter Showcase

           Mar 2006   Heard Museum Honorable Mention

           Oct 2006 Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial "Best of Category in Painting & Sculpture

           Jul 2006   Museum of Northern Arizona Navajo Show 1st Place Steel Category

           Aug 2006  Santa Fe Indian Market Class V Div B Cat 2803 2nd Place

           Aug 2005  Santa Fe Indian Market Class V Div B Cat 2903 3rd Place

           Aug 2004  Santa Fe Indian Market Class V Div B Cat 2803 1st Place

           Jul 2004   Museum of Northern Arizona Navajo Show 3rd Place Steel Category

           Jul 2003   Museum of Northern Arizona Navajo Show 2nd Place Multimedia

           Sep 2002 56th Annual Navajo Nation Fair 1st Place Sculpture, 2nd Place Painting

           Mar 2002 Fountain Hills Indian Market Best of Category

           Oct 2001  Arizona State Fair 2nd Place Steel

        Grants/Honors

           Nov 2006 Jackie Autry Purchase Award, Southwest Museum of the American Indian, Autry National Center

           July 2002  Museum of Northern Arizona Navajo Show "Emerging Artist Award"

 

My Art Work Click to see artwork

Schedule of Art Shows Click to find out where my next show will be

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