| Damian Jim | |
| Birth Date: | 1973 |
| Birth Place: | Shiprock, New Mexico |
| Nationality: | Navajo Nation, American |
| Education: | Al Collins Graphic Design School |
Damian Jim (born 1973) is a Diné (Navajo) artist.[1] He is known for his design work on traditional woven baskets, in addition to digital art, photography, and work with acrylic, oil, and ink.[2]
Damin Jim was born in 1973 in Shiprock, New Mexico[3] on the Navajo Nation.
Jim received training in graphic design from the Al Collins Graphic Design School. He also has a bachelor's degree in Computer Information Systems.[3] [4]
Jim is well known for his work as a basket design. He began this work by sketching symbols from Navajo oral history, editing the image with a computer, and discussing the design with weavers for their input.[5] His first job was with the Twin Rocks Trading Post in Utah, where his designs were used by leading Navajo weavers and helped sustain Navajo basketry.[6] His designs were also used by rug weavers and jewelers.[7]
In addition to this work, he uses pop culture references, surrealism, and street art aesthetics, incorporating retellings of Indigenous stories, in work with acrylic, oil, and ink on canvas and paper.[8]
He co-founded and managed 1Spot, one of the few Native Americans in the United States-led art galleries in Phoenix, Arizona.[9]
Damian Jim helped create Ziindi: Indigenous Art Zine in 2012.[3]