Acrylic Paintings by David Johns - Lanning Gallery [Sedona]

David Johns - A featured artist at the Lanning Gallery [Sedona Arizona]

"Herbal Blossoms"
Acrylic on Canvas Painting
24" x 24"

World- Renowned Navajo Artist

David Johns has become well-known for capturing the oral tradition of his Diné people in abstract paintings. Long known for his figurative work, it is the spontaneity and freedom of the abstract that has captured his imagination. "You don't see the songs or stories or prayers," Johns explains, referring to the strong ties he holds for his native culture, "but you visualize what is happening." It is the essence of the experiences that make up the artist's past and present that Johns seeks to capture on canvas; "it is the true kernel of what is visual," he states.

"David Johns is a seer, and he comes very honestly by that gift. In his remarkable artwork, he enables us to see as well. His gift becomes our gift. Here is the essential spirit of creation."

~ N. Scott Momaday, Pulitzer Prize winning author ~

"Canyon Landscape"
Acrylic on Canvas Painting
54" x 72"

Johns earned a BFA from Northern Arizona University's School of Fine Arts and was awarded an honorary Doctorate from the university in 1997. "You can see all kinds of forms, lines and shapes; it's out there," the artist says of his abstract work. "All you have to do is look around you." It is the intertwining of these outer elements with the inner elements of his emotions, mixed with traditional Diné philosophies, that fuels Johns' paintings.

Click on an image to see a larger view.

"Dancing Bamboo"
Acrylic on Canvas/Board Painting
24" x 24"

"Awakening"
Acrylic on Canvas Painting
44" x 40"

Artists' Statement

My Creations on paper or canvas do not come from a place of preconception. They come from the innermost chambers of my soul. The essence of what I am is a spiritual being. I am a Diné (Navajo) man of Tl'aashchi'í clan and born for the Kiyaa'áanii clan. Even as I write it, it feels like I am saying a prayer. Everything I am and do I hope comes from a place of harmony. If my mind, body and spirit are in balance then I can produce an image which reflects my truth. I hope my abstractions are ways for the observers to feel the essence of my inner self; not to get caught up in the distractions of outer appearances. It is not the form that touches our deepest longings but rather the story my images evoke in the viewer. This is the ultimate impact of my art.

"The Crossing"
Acrylic Painting
60" x 60"

"In Transformation"
Acrylic on Canvas/Board Painting
24" x 24"

"Dancers - Motion of Celebration II" - Artwork by David Johns (Navajo Artist)

"Dancers - Motion of Celebration II"
Acrylic Painting
48" x 48"

"In Circles" - Acrylic Painting by David Johns

"In Circles"
Acrylic on Canvas Painting
48" x 60"

Artist's prices beginning at $2,900.

Keep an Eye on this Artist. For confidential artist updates - click here to register.

For further information about our Art Gallery and Artists, please call (928) 282-6865.

Copyright©1999-2009. All Rights Reserved. The content of this art site is owned exclusively by the Lanning Gallery [Sedona Arizona]. All artwork is the sole property of each respective artist. Any reproduction or other use of art images contained in this art gallery website without written permission of the respective artists is expressly prohibited. Art prices may vary according to market value.

Sedona Art Gallery Site Maintained by Flagstaff Central.com, Inc.