"Paint from your heart; don't just go along with the latest fad. Your art will last longer then."

David K. John has lived his own words, working from his own inspiration, creating paintings based on Navajo mythology and stories. Communicating a quiet spirituality that speaks universally, his unique expressions are becoming more widely recognized and admired.

Raised by his great grandfather, David grew up hearing the stories and teachings of his homeland. In his art, John expresses his own interpretations of his childhood learning with the utmost care and respect. Making no excuse for his spirituality, John is specific about his use of color. Like most Native American tribes, the Dine associate particular colors with the four directions: yellow-the West, white-the East, turquoise-the South, and black-the North.

John's characteristic messenger is the Yei Be Chei, an ethereal messenger to the Dine. Since exact replication of the sacred icon is taboo, he modifies the image to the satisfaction of his tribes' spiritual leaders. According to collectors, the alteration does not affect the impact of the paintings' message.

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