Local Artists Honor Father and Grandfather Influences

James Ratliff Gallery - Sedona, AZ

Father’s Day is near and many are honoring their fathers with gifts or moments together. In Sedona, some artists remember and honor their fathers as an influence in their work. This is the case for Nicholas Kirsten-Honshin of Sedona’s Acending Spirit Gallery: A Honshin Fine Art Gallery.
 
Honshin started painting in his father’s studio at the age of five. His father, Daiensai Bonseki Dojin is a renowned artist and ordained Buddhist monk.
 
Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Honshin not only took an interest in art, but also in Buddhism. He studied Tibetan Buddhist scriptures, art and language. With his skill and knowledge, Honshin moved to a secluded wilderness area in New Mexico where he could continue painting, studying and meditating. One of his first series of paintings celebrates math through geometry and the ancient way of the mandala.
 
Today, Honshin’s work is still highly influenced by his father and his own ancient Eastern spiritual practices of Tibetan Buddhism and Zen Buddhism. Honshin believes his work is a mythic amalgamation of ancient healing practices and the present trends in spirituality, science, and nature - resulting in a true fusion of East and West.
 
Honshin’s artwork is also viewable at The Gallery of Wholeness, Harmony and Radiance within Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, Sedona.
 
Navajo Artist David K. John who currently shows his work within the James Ratliff Gallery, was also influenced by a male figure in his family – his great grandfather. John, who grew up in Keams Canyon had the honor of having a grandfather who was a medicine man. John said his grandfather used to tell him,”Paint from your heart; don't just go along with the latest fad. Your art will last longer then."
 
Having spent many hours listening to the stories of his grandfather and their homeland, both have influenced John’s view on art and his work. After his grandfather passed away, John began his formal education by attending the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He also earned a Bachelor’s Degree of Arts from Southern Utah University.
 
John’s work today comes from his own inspiration and Navajo mythology. Living back in Keams Canyon, John uses the landscape and the stories to combine symbols and sacred information as a guide into his creations. John has won many awards for his paintings and masks.
 
David K. John’s work is viewable at the James Ratliff Gallery, located at  671 AZ-179, Sedona, Arizona.