“This book is inspired by a desire to understand the indigenous people of the area, with emphasis on the Hopi Mesas, Navajo Territory, Black Mesa and Canyon De Chelly. I wanted to understand their optimism and unyielding ability to pursue a spiritual way of life. Despite centuries of oppression, foreign domination, lack of resources and trauma, descendants of North American tribes continue to hold on to their heritage and land rights.
My journey led me to ancient Hopi and Navajo villages, roads not usually traveled by non-tribal residents. The ink drawings collected in this book are a response and interpretation of myth, politics, landscape and the experiences of the indigenous people in the Four Corners region.”
-Derek Chan
September 2010