Interview with Penelope Joe

Young and talented artist Penelope Joe designed this month’s cover. She sat down with us to share her inspirations and aspirations.

How did you get interested in art?

My mother, Thema Tsosie, and grandpa, Vincent Tsosie, both make jewelry.

Why painting instead of silversmithing?

When I was twelve years old, my mother was bitten by a spider and had to spend two months in the hospital. I stayed there with her the whole time and would spend all evening drawing. Once my mother was released, I wanted to get some paint supplies to color all my sketches.

How long ago was this?

This happened when I was twelve years old, in 2013.

You do shows; I see your work gets lots of exposure. How did you create this market?

I started selling my work at the Window Rock flea market. Also, in 2014, I won a first-place ribbon award for Student Art at the Heard Museum. That same year, I won a blue ribbon again in the youth division at the InterTribal Ceremonial.

What was becoming popular for you?

My two popular designs are the Navajo Traditional Horse Story and the Tree of Life. When I won the youth division at the Inter-Tribal Ceremonial, it was the first time I did the Horse Story.

What are your plans going forward?

I am entering my junior year at Ganado High School this year. I have always wanted to go to Harvard University or the University of Alabama. It is my dream to study criminal justice and then attend law school. After that I would like to return home and become a judge in Apache County.

How about art?

I will always do art. It would be nice to open an art studio for children when I return after school.