by Rex A. Begaye
The spirit of Native American heritage is celebrated by artist Rex Begaye in this fantastical painting
This piece talks about the cultural strength and beliefs. As Native people, we believe in a culture, we are part of a web of life. We are surrounded with many life forms and all life is considered sacred. The lodge represents the strength of home and the eagle feather is used for healing purposes. Everything is blessed upon the Earth. The enlightenment of life, the sacred knowledge, is not taken for granted. When we sing the traditional songs, they are medicine to clear ourselves of things and to put our minds at ease, which brings healing. This creates the holiness and spiritualism of life. The colors also represent the colors of the universe, life and the sun. They represent the healing.
What is a hero?
Anyone can have a knowledge, even a young person.
It is part of our healing process from the experiences we have in life.
Today people do not listen anymore, to the experience
of others such as our elders.
The elders share their knowledge with us through their stories
to help us understand life itself.
In the Native way, these stories often talk about animals and the life forms around us as lessons.
Those lessons that the elders share with us help us to understand life.
They have earned their knowledge from these life lessons.
Today, this knowledge is not being passed on
because we no longer take the time to listen and ask the questions.
I spent time with my grandparents and they shared
the stories that have been passed through many generations.
It helped me to understand life, even today as I come into the
age of my elder years, I still remember their words and
I continue to discover the meanings and lessons they shared with me.
- Rex A. Begaye -
Native American Artist Rex A. Begaye was born and raised in the Navajo culture and tradition.
His paintings speak to the universal connection between Mother Earth, Father Sky and Man.
