Image Not Available

Joe Ben Jr.

Navajo

BiographyJoe Ben, Jr. combines his reservation training with international teaching experience to create esceptional sandpaintings. Even the finest details are created by applying just the right amount of pulverized pigment from between his cruved index finger and thumb to a neutal base of sand below. The degree of control exercised in his movement and distribution of the pigments determines the lines, shapes and effects created. Hand gestures, that mimic the distribution of corn mean in prayer, result in color blending that is just short of miraculous.
Joe Ben's sandpaintings are distinguished by their intensity of color created by using natural materials from throughout the world rather than commercial sands pigmented with color. Lapis (blue) from Afghanistan, diamond (sparkle) from Australia, Galena (silver sparkle) fromMorocco, coal (black) from the Four Corners, gypsum (white) from Cuba, New Mexico, red and gold ochre from the south of France, Azurite and chrysocolla (blue green) from southern Arizona, and a myriad of other greens, browns, and reds found on the Hopi and Navajo reservations near his homeland are some of the materials Joe uses in his vibrant paintings.

Person TypeIndividual