Meet the 2010 SAP participants!
We had a great group in 2010. Below is responses from our 2010 participants.
Joshua Hill- Organizer
Overall the Shonto Artists’ Project was a greater success than I could have ever imagined. As both an organizer and a participant I had the opportunity to grow as a leader as well as meet some amazing people. Shonto is a beautiful and peaceful place, with the most amazing sunrises/sets. Spending a week in Shonto allowed me to more easily access my creativity and stimulated my mind to think in different ways. The opportunity to spend time away from media and distractions showed me what I need to do to be creative. The experience allowed me to appreciate the Indigenous way of life, in turn applying more holistic and simplistic principles to my everyday life.
I was amazed at the energy that the other participants brought to the project. It allowed me to step aside as leader and interact as a participant. It was great getting to know Shonto Begay, he is a man of great wisdom and inspiring stories. His house is an ever-evolving art project, and since finishing the Shonto Artists’ Project I view my whole life as an ever-evolving art project. I hope to continue the Shonto Artists’ Project next year, and with many lessons learned it will prove to be even more successful in 2011!
Cody Benally-Photographer
The Shonto Artist Project was like nothing I expected. It was full of amazing people from diverse art backgrounds and really allowed me to open up my mind and think of things in a new way. The remote location of Shonto was ideal because it allowed me to get away from the distractions of outside influence and the media. Within this remote setting it really allowed the participants and organizers to form a working community where we all felt comfortable. One thing I would change about the program is the length, I would prefer it to be longer as I was really beginning to get in touch with my creative side and be inspired by the landscape and the indigenous people.
I my past experiences as a photographer I have always photographed in urban settings and had to deal with the chaos that is associated with it. But being in Shonto allowed me to relax a lot more and really get in tuned with what I was photographing. The day trips to Kayenta and Monument Valley were very inspiring as well. The beauty of a small local flee market on the Navajo reservation really made evident how proud these people are of their culture. The organizers did a great job in planning everything and I hope to be a participant again next year!
Shonri Begay- Organizer
Aaron Prillaman-Guitarist
Benn Farr- Performance Artist
Kimberly DeSantis-Music Therapist
Since the beginning of man, the world has been a series of incredible interactions. Whether it be the wind motivating leaves to dance or the song of mankind caring for the Earth. The Shonto Artist's Project exudes interaction and allows for diverse artists and diverse artistic styles to meld and interact with new perspective. The interactions I had with my fellow artists left me in awe of the act of not only creation, but creation through spontaneous interaction. Creating art in a sensually intriguing and breathtaking setting is an endearing experience compared to the hectic "city" life we all live in. It was an honor to be a part of the project as well as be introduced and welcomes so warmly by the Navajo people and culture. I am very grateful to the Begay family and Josh for allowing art to flourish, especially in such a powerful and sacred land!
Yuko Torihara- Photographer/Visual Artist
Jamie Cote- Visual Artist
Yael Beratta- Performance Artist
