JD
Challenger is considered America's leading painter of Native
Americans.
He
was born in Oklahoma with a creative fire that first began
to smolder at a young age. He learned color, shading, light
and shadow from closely observing nature and drawing what
he saw.
Always
fascinated by the culture and customs of the Native Americans
near to whom he lived and soon considered his closest friends,
the young Challenger absorbed their stories and traditions.
He sketched his observations of their lives. At first, he
was reluctant to show his paintings in public for fear of
offending a people he greatly admired.
Upon
witnessing a Ghost Dance ceremony, Challenger discovered
his mission and what he wanted to paint. With encouragement
from friends, he showed his work to some Native Americans,
one of whom was a holy man. Challenger was told, "Your
path is to tell our story and educate others."
JD Challenger paints the story of a people
rich in heritage and tradition. These stories are sometimes
poignant, often angry, but always powerful and demanding
to be told.