The acrylic paintings of Daniel A. Walters capture the graceful liquid lines of an original being...The Native American Indian. As the offspring of two Native American artists, Walters is in a unique position to both preserve and present to a wider audience, the culture of his youth and upbringing. With his paints and brushes, Walters evokes the visages with the Native American in a genre that is a union of the contemporary and traditional; contemporary in its unorthodox blending of styles from the East and West, traditional in its representation of Native American Beauty and spirit.
Daniel was raised in a rich artistic environment. His father, Harry Walters is a first generation Navajo Artist, while his mother, Anna Lee Walters is a Native American author of Pawnee/Otoe decent. Both parents studied at the Institute of American Indian Art under the tutelage of the late Allen Houser. Harry Walters used his Indian name Na-Ton-Sa-Ta; during his painting career and is now the curator, and professor of Navajo History of Dine College in Tsaile, Arizona. For Daniel, art was a part of life as opposed to the separate concept, a way to express the reverence felt for the beauty of life. The blending of these influences enticed Daniel to enter the world of art.
Born September 6, 1968, Daniel began his career as a professional artist in 1991. After years of impromptu sketching, what he calls doodling he was encouraged by his wife, Gertrude, to begin more serious pieces. Her support and confidence are major factors in his career and the couple now live with their children and grandchildren in To′ hajiilee, New Mexico. Walters is self-taught and has evolved a style uniquely his own as he stretches into new territory while exploring the ancestral art he adores.
As a result of his talent, patience and endurance, Daniel has won awards in major art shows. Walters has entered work in over 70 art shows and major awards include:
Most recent awards include:
The most prestigious award for Walters was presented at the Santa Fe Indian Market 2004: First in Division, Best of Classification III (Painting, Drawings, Graphics and Photography), and Best in Division Category.The painting was entitled "Young Koshari". This particular painting was seen throughout the United States following the SWAIA Indian Market 2004. A release of his first limited edition print entitled "Young Koshari II" occurred in November 2004.
The artist speaks eloquently about his motivation when he says, "The Native American Indian is an original being, but when traditional values are lost, that originally is lessened". He goes on the saying, "It may be only a matter of time before we become a lost people among a larger society". Walters speaks with conviction when he tells you that through art, the identity of his people can be preserved. The eloquence of his words is surpassed only by the eloquence of his artwork with its hauntingly powerful, dignified figures whose silent voices speak directly to the viewer′s soul.
Today, Daniel continues his work as both artist and supervisor/paramedic for the Navajo Nation.
