“The sound of my pencil on the rigid, watercolor paper begins the creative flow.”
Brooke’s Connection to Art
I view my art and my ability to express myself almost as a person and friend. I see this
form of creation as a place where I can be my authentic self and create a future for myself,
manifesting my dreams and aspirations. Although I share my artwork with my online
community, I keep many of my sketches and paintings to myself and I find comfort in each of
my creations, good and bad.
The Rhythms of Creation
I reflect on each of the processes of creation and each part of the process brings satisfaction and
healing. Beginning with the thought and inspiration, I often gain the idea from parts of life
that bring the most happiness and serenity. These are oftentimes within
ceremonies, being with my family, and being with our animals, times of prayer or song, or in the
early mornings, with a pinch of white corn, when the sun has not risen and you can spot the
morning star in the horizon. This energy and inspiration carries through the sketching and
painting process. Oftentimes, I find myself humming along to my peyote songs, keshjee songs,
or traditional songs. I find so much peace and contentment during this process. The sound of my
pencil on the rigid, watercolor paper begins the creative flow. Next, I bring out my watercolor
palettes and glass cups of water. As soon as I dip my brush in the water and next to the
watercolors, my focus and calmness take over. The sounds of the water swirling as I dip my
brush in and the sound of my brush on the rough paper create a rhythm. The finished project and
the completion of the process provide a sense of spiritual security and confidence within myself
and often reflect the feeling of praying for yourself or the harmonious feeling within a ceremony,
with the songs and prayers carrying you throughout your life.
Ceremony, Strength, and Overcoming Hardships
Spirituality and ceremony are strong values of mine, which have supported me through
the traumatic hardships of life. Being away from my family and homelands has taught me to
draw upon these strengths for myself and my future. Art is a way that I utilize and connect to my
Diné roots. I also recognize the power of song and prayer. Oftentimes, when I’m walking to
campus, preparing for a big presentation or exam, when I can’t sleep, or just wanting to seek a
sense of calmness throughout the day, I listen and sing along to my family’s songs or practice
singing them by myself. This allows me to ground myself and my mind, as I often find myself
getting overwhelmed and anxious.
Throughout my undergraduate and graduate career, I have also found community with my peers
who also practice these traditional aspects of life. We have
shared songs, knowledge, and skills, which have allowed me to grow mentally, spiritually, and
emotionally.
Another practice that I use as an asset within my everyday life is getting up before
the sun and praying for myself with my white corn meal. This has alone brought me joy and
hope in times of struggle and almost wanting to give up on my education. It is also through these
practices that I feel inspired to continue pursuing higher education and opportunities that have
brought me fear in the past. I do feel art, song, and prayer go hand-in-hand as each of these has a
spiritual form of expression. By becoming a Diné asdzáán, I understand that we have an inherent
connection to our Dííyín Diné’é our sacred tools that were given during the time of our transition
into womanhood. These aspects of my life bring me strength and resilience in every moment of
my life and I am thankful to be a Diné woman and artist.
A Vision of Healing Through Art
To create a piece that reflects healing for our people, I would begin with a thought, plan,
execution, and reflection, following the Diné Philosophy of SNBH. The painting would depict a
Diné woman sitting at the tip of an eagle feather and singing, traveling spreading her medicinal
energy and blessings. Adorned in turquoise and silver jewelry, she would represent the spirit and
beauty of Asdzáán Nádleehé and Yoołgai Asdzáán. Her songs and prayers would be captured by
the Hayoołkaał and the crispt, cool morning would carry her prayerful words to the Diné people.
The sky would be a blanket of pastel pinks and blues, with the morning star flickering above.
The sun would slowly be rising, with a bright yellow slowly peaking above the horizon of
sagebrush and pinon trees. Beautiful hummingbirds of crimson red and ruby would flutter around
her, representing her mind and serving as protectors throughout her journey. Palomino and
appaloosa horses would run on the hills and mesa floors, and the foals would jump in excitement
at the sight of fruitful vegetation and an ample supply of bright, clear water. Her horses would
surround her mind, body, and spirit with arrowheads serving as a protector, and allow her to feel
peace and tranquility in times of chaos and fear.
Honoring Women
In times of healing, prayer, and song would carry the Navajo people toward the corn
pollen path and blessings. My piece would be a powerful visualization that exemplifies the
divinity of women and the blessings women hold in Diné life. Each component of the artwork
would consist of pastel colors with dark browns and greens contrasting the colors. A soothing
feeling of calm and reverence would take over, reflecting the connection between Nahasdzáán,
Yadiłhił, the cosmos, and women. Pastel pink and blues would represent the femininity of Dinè
and the duality between male and female. This piece would not only honor women but also the
resilience and interconnectedness of all things, capturing the spirit of unity, healing, and the
divine feminine in Diné culture.