Dus10 Lopez

Artist Statement
Yaateeh, shei ei Taachiinii nishli, Naadaa Dine bash ishcheen. Haaltso dash eh cheii adoo Yaqui People dash eh nali. My name is Dustin Lopez and I am an artist based in Phoenix Arizona where I also work as a Firefighter, Art teacher and graphic designer. I am inspired by embracing my intertribal heritage. I was raised Navajo by my grandmother, however I am making efforts to learn as much as I can about the other nations I am born for to represent my identity as 21st century native living in multiple worlds.

My artwork is geared towards the coming generations to embrace different forms of art and reflect on their identity, what does it mean to be a mixed blood? By embracing who we are as mixed bloods we strengthen our existence and lay the future for others who struggle. My mural is influenced by graffiti and creating letters that take on their own identity and character.

IG: @dus10lopezart and @dus10hues

****I feel it is critical to understand who we are and where we come from and what we represent because we are all not the same. In those differences we discover our identity and how we belong to the Communities we represent. Decolonizing this image that western ideals has placed on us, CIB, in attempt to solidify our identity is my goal so people like me who have been discourgaed for not being “full blood for one tribe” are still just as important and have a better understand on how to keep our communities thriving for the next generations.****