About Me

Welcome to Persistence in Arts, my name is Daniel Josley, I am a Dine from Shonto Arizona, my clans are Lokaa Dine (Reed People), Born for Toahani (Near The Water), My maternal grandfather is Naasht’eshi Tobaahi (Zuni Edge Water) and My paternal grandfather is Ta'chiin'nii (Red Running into Water) and it is in this way I am a Human Being.  

Growing up I was always artistic, it came natural to me as you can say, but I never thought it would become my passion. I didn´t study or go to school to become a painter, instead I found the courage to push myself and pursue this new journey of creation. Coming home changed my perspective on life and my direction in painting, I was reminded of who I am and where I come from and how beautiful it is to finally open ones eyes.

Over the years I have developed my own style through Canvas paintings and Murals alike, I am known for my Horned Toad (Chei) paintings and stories, there have been stories told of Horned Toad time and time and again, the ones I tell are the ones of my childhood memories and new experiences.

It has been 9 years now, with 59 murals on and off the Navajo Reservation, paintings that I’ve lost count of and a business I am proud to own. So as of today I am a member of The Art of the People who have embraced me and helped me with promoting my Art, The Painted Desert Project where I get the chance to work with Mural Artists from all over who taught me the steps to outdoor creations. Once, I was an Assistant to Shonto Begay on his Art camping trips with NAU, an experience I hold close. Words of wisdom that I take in every time I pick up a brush, every mistake is an eye opener and a new direction. Respect the brush and everything will follow. Tomorrow is the beginning of the rest of my life. Respect yourself and your elders, create with passion, not effort. Collaborate all you can while you can, because when you look back on things, you´ll see results well worth the time spent, respect the struggle, it’s where we’re most original.

Good things happen to those who get out there to get what they want, making it happen right now and not later. I only got more and more involved each time I packed my art materials and my 20 bucks and got on the road with no particular direction. Don´t wait for something to happen, Art doesn´t have a time or place, it all starts with that first step, that first spark of an idea, after that you just have to make sure your feet follow.