There is now a brand new piece of public art in Williams, Ariz., on the exterior wall of Native America gift store in the heart of downtown in this small town that I have come to enjoy. The image commands attention a block away in a gentle way, and I am proud to say that this latest piece is my creation—a gift I chose to give.
On a chance lunch months ago in Williams with my good friend and mayor of said town, John Moore, we discussed the possibility of a Shonto mural. My brother and friend in the Dineh way, Clarence Clearwater, was my advocate in bringing my vision to a wall in Williams.
In this era of failing small towns and burnt hopes, I chose to give. The city of Williams reciprocated in every possible way. I asked Cy Wagoner to assist me in my effort of this vision. He is a fine young Dineh man that epitomizes a pursuit of beauty and humanity in his art—a young man, true to his blood, to his dreams. I asked John if he could find us some young people from the community to help us complete this mural. I wanted them to take ownership of this work.
He found us some youth from the Inspiration House, the “at risk” kids I found to be so involved and courteous … and excited. This is the population of young people I know all too well. I came from that background and found art a complete saving grace in my life. I speak of that truth often in my works with them. Art saves Lives.
This progressive gunslinger of a mayor chose our vision. He wanted Dineh’s claim to the vision on the edge of the sacred grounds. He advocated for the real from the world of entertainment. He chose right. On the third of July, we chose an image of gratitude, of knowledge.
A Navajo hunter—there poised in reverence to the hunt of subsistence and survival, he offers up his knowledge of this gift. They emerge from the shrouded forest. Dressed in this knowledge. His bow lifted in humility and gratitude, he casts his prayer upon the cool alpine breeze, and at his feet an iconic wedding basket holds his oath. A young man respectfully stands on the prayer’s perimeter. He is learning this Hunting Way. There is so much green for this traditional Dineh lens. We chose to dissect the mural with aspen trees for it gave it the graphic dynamic strip. We painted the wall—28 feet by 10 feet—using the style I call my visual chant. The neo-impressionism in an unconventional reality of mine. An image with hope. Brighter colors and bolder strokes. We allowed the youths much freedom. Thank you Eddie, Ryan, Wendy . . . We painted as the Fourth of July Independence Day events happened. There was all kinds of fun to be had. If you’ve never been to Williams for the Fourth of July parade, it is worth it.
We painted together in the mornings because that was when the wall is shaded. In the afternoon, we came back to Flagstaff to take care of those things that demand our attention. It felt strangely like when we lived way out on the Rez and coming into town, knowing in a few hours you leave again.
Painting a mural this size allows you to dance with your creation. In sync with the lines and beat of good music. I feel very limber all week. It does good for the body.
We traveled to Prescott the other day to visit friends and view the mural that caused such a stir recently. I felt the intent and the message was admirable, it just fell short on delivery. A well executed urban mural with no natives or Hispanic. Know your community.
I felt unusually limber all week long. That is what dancing with your art does. You reach, stretch squat and go through all the motion. It does my aging body good also.
The mural in Williams will be dedicated on the 29th of July in a public ceremony alongside the gunfights for visitors.
