Jonathan Black
4 products
Jonathan Black is the sixth son of Mary Holiday Black. His sister, Sally Black, is also a very notable Navajo basket weaver. Jonathan is married to Alicia Nelson and, as a couple, they are two of the most dynamic and creative Navajo basket weavers.
Jonathan had the advantage of learning basketry from his mother, one of the best of all time. His mother, Mary Holiday Black, had a profound impact on Navajo basketry and its revival in the 20th century. Mary Black’s leadership, and creative talents, showed many other Navajos that basketry could be a viable career option in an area with few economic opportunities. Mary Black taught nine of her eleven children to become basket makers, including Jonathan.
Jonathan creates some of the sharpest traditional Navajo ceremonial baskets that we see. But his creative talents extend into new innovative designs as well. His hands create baskets with Navajo sandpainting and ceremonial designs, unique pictorials, designs with human and animal figures, and strikingly creative geometric patterns.
Jonathan says, “Living and working in the shadow of the Twin Rocks has certain advantages. Our backyard is better than any other, and the view from the base of the Twin Rocks formation is awe-inspiring. We also get to explain to visitors on a regular basis that we worry more about being killed on the highway than being smashed to bits when the rocks fall. The best thing, however, is that we have the opportunity to interact with the local Indian people and to become familiar with their traditions. As you might guess, some of the locals are outgoing and flamboyant; more than willing to reach out and draw you into their world, while others are quiet and reserved; more comfortable to stay in the background.”
Jonathan is quiet, kind, and unassuming. When he explains the meaning behind his work, it’s short and to the point, with no wasted words. In a way, his talent speaks with its own voice in the visions his colors and patterns create. We look forward to continuing to work with Jonathan Black and enjoying the incredibly creative designs his mind creates.
Jonathan had the advantage of learning basketry from his mother, one of the best of all time. His mother, Mary Holiday Black, had a profound impact on Navajo basketry and its revival in the 20th century. Mary Black’s leadership, and creative talents, showed many other Navajos that basketry could be a viable career option in an area with few economic opportunities. Mary Black taught nine of her eleven children to become basket makers, including Jonathan.
Jonathan creates some of the sharpest traditional Navajo ceremonial baskets that we see. But his creative talents extend into new innovative designs as well. His hands create baskets with Navajo sandpainting and ceremonial designs, unique pictorials, designs with human and animal figures, and strikingly creative geometric patterns.
Jonathan says, “Living and working in the shadow of the Twin Rocks has certain advantages. Our backyard is better than any other, and the view from the base of the Twin Rocks formation is awe-inspiring. We also get to explain to visitors on a regular basis that we worry more about being killed on the highway than being smashed to bits when the rocks fall. The best thing, however, is that we have the opportunity to interact with the local Indian people and to become familiar with their traditions. As you might guess, some of the locals are outgoing and flamboyant; more than willing to reach out and draw you into their world, while others are quiet and reserved; more comfortable to stay in the background.”
Jonathan is quiet, kind, and unassuming. When he explains the meaning behind his work, it’s short and to the point, with no wasted words. In a way, his talent speaks with its own voice in the visions his colors and patterns create. We look forward to continuing to work with Jonathan Black and enjoying the incredibly creative designs his mind creates.
4 products
Recently viewed