{"title":"Joe Ben Jr.","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eJoe Ben Jr. was born in 1958 to the Tacheeni Clan (Red Line Running in Water Clan) in Shiprock, New Mexico. As a child, Joe took part in traditional Navajo ceremonies that used sandpaintings. These early experiences inspired his love of art at a young age.\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e   \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eJoe Ben Jr. combines his traditional training with international teaching experience to create exceptional Navajo sandpaintings. The fine details in his designs are created by applying the just the right amount of pulverized pigment from between his index finger and thumb to a neutral base of sand below. He exercises deep control in his movements to create the lines and shapes that define his artwork. Hand gestures that mimic the distribution of corn meal in prayer result in impressive, soft color blending.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eJoe’s sandpaintings are distinguished by the intense of colors created by using natural materials from around the world. Joe uses lapis (blue) from Afghanistan, diamond (sparkle) from Australia, galena (silver sparkle) from Morocco, coal (black) from the Four Corners region, gypsum (white) from New Mexico, red and gold ochre from the south of France, azurite and chrysocolla (blue green) from southern Arizona, and numerous other greens, browns, and reds found on the Hopi and Navajo reservation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eJoe describes his art: “Through the art of sandpainting, based on the cycle of nature, I am capable of communicating my feelings and my ideas. It is through these sand paintings of Mother Earth, of Father Sky, and their children (the trees, the rivers, the birds, the divinities and us), that I can imitate the powerful work of nature. I try to use nature’s aesthetic work as a part of my life and to add dimension to my existence. Finally, I hope with this art to encourage people to consider the aesthetics of nature, because that is what art is all about.... Nature, what else is there?”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p2\"\u003eJoe's son, \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.garlands.com\/collections\/zach-ben\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eZach\u003c\/a\u003e, is also following in his father's footsteps as an accomplished artist.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"creation-stories-sandpainting","title":"“Creation Stories” Sandpainting","description":"\u003cp\u003eHandmade Navajo Sandpainting featuring the Creation Story: My contemporary interpretation of the creation story sandpainting. Each corn represents a different people, culture, way of life branching out through the cosmos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e19” Width, 28” Height\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Joe Ben Jr.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42654306140243,"sku":"SP00137","price":1600.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0610\/6305\/files\/creation-stories-sandpainting-by-joe-ben-jr-at-garland-s-53345.jpg?v=1760581372"},{"product_id":"creation-story-sandpainting-2","title":"“Creation Story” Sandpainting","description":"\u003cp\u003eHandmade Navajo Sandpainting featuring the Creation Story: My contemporary interpretation of the creation story sandpainting. Each corn represents a different people, culture, way of life branching out through the cosmos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e32” Width, 24” Height\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Joe Ben Jr.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42842085261395,"sku":"SP00159","price":2400.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0610\/6305\/files\/SP00159-3.jpg?v=1760587314"},{"product_id":"night-chant-sandpainting-10","title":"“Night Chant” Sandpainting","description":"\u003cp\u003eHandmade Navajo Sandpainting featuring the Night Chant (Dusk): Talking God and Harvester God dancing in the early morning during Night Chant Ceremony. The design is crafted using sand made from crushed rocks and minerals, applied to a wooden base. This piece has a hook for a wall hanging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e11” Width, 28.75” Height\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Joe Ben Jr.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44571927183443,"sku":"SP00172","price":1100.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0610\/6305\/files\/SP00172-1.jpg?v=1778105434"},{"product_id":"night-chant-sandpainting-11","title":"“Night Chant” Sandpainting","description":"\u003cp\u003eHandmade Navajo Sandpainting featuring the Night Chant (Dusk): Talking God and Harvester God dancing in the early morning during Night Chant Ceremony. The design is crafted using sand made from crushed rocks and minerals, applied to a wooden base. The piece is wired for wall hanging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e11.75” Width, 36.25” Height\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Joe Ben Jr.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44571960901715,"sku":"SP00173","price":1400.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0610\/6305\/files\/SP00173-5.jpg?v=1778107228"},{"product_id":"mother-earth-and-father-sky-sandpainting-11","title":"Mother Earth and Father Sky Sandpainting","description":"\u003cp\u003eNavajo sandpainting by Joe Ben Jr. depicting Mother Earth and Father Sky, representing the balance between the natural world and the cosmos. The figures are adorned with corn, celestial symbols, and ceremonial regalia, symbolizing harmony and interconnectedness. The design is crafted using sand made from crushed rocks and minerals, applied to a wooden base. The piece is wired for wall hanging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e36” Width, 24.25” Height\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Joe Ben Jr.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44571976368211,"sku":"SP00174","price":2900.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0610\/6305\/files\/SP00174-9.jpg?v=1778107377"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0610\/6305\/collections\/joe-ben-jr-garland-s_6e9ed25f-029c-4dbe-b421-1c784733e806.png?v=1747950490","url":"https:\/\/garlands.com\/collections\/joe-ben-jr\/2500-5000.oembed","provider":"Garland's","version":"1.0","type":"link"}