Shonto Begay

“The very first stirrings of thinking with my eyes to create my own world came early. My eyes filled with subjects and symbols of my unconventional and safe reality. My great Dineh’ elders carried wisdom and strength and were born of symbolizing our mythic world by creating sand-painting mandalas for healing. Intrigued by these ancient templates, I sat in awe of the voices relating ancient stories of heroes and coyotes. Images that seemed to exist in another holy place were being released from the thick and knowing fingers on to the Hogan floor. Lines were accentuated by the amber light of a kerosene lamp, and shadows danced mysteries on the cribbed log wall.” – Shonto