Harrison Juan

Harrison has been carving for the past fifteen years. Born on March 1, 1953 and raised on the Navajo reservation at Lake Valley, New Mexico, near Chaco Canyon, Harrison is a self taught artist. Not only is Harrison an accomplished sculptor, he is also an artist, potter, and sand painter, however is best known for his folk art carvings.

A nephew of Johnson Antonio who is also a well known carver, Harrison married Rena Tahy in 1976. Harrison helped Rena develop her carving techniques and today work on pieces separately as well as together. They are featured in three publications for their folk art, one of which is Pat Eddington’s “Trading Posts.” The Juans have six children who are all artists in their own right. Having called Salt Lake City their home there is a chance to glimpse “reservation” life through their talents and labor. Harrison is very matter of fact when he says their carvings depict the “Navajo way of life.” Through folk art they capture a magical tranquility and serene look at life which is how we all wish our lives

Attributed to www.indiansummer.com