Baje Whitethorne's homeland and rich culture are reflected in his striking landscapes, colorful dancers and finely detailed singers. The harmony of the Navajo way of life, framed in the buttes and canyons of the Colorado plateau, are vividly displayed throughout his paintings.

Growing up as a young boy near Shonto and Black Mesa on the Navajo reservation, Baje recalls the pleasant memories of childhood. "After taking care of the sheep, my brothers and I would sit around in our hogan and make up stories. I had a lot of fantasies as a kid. My imagination really ran wild." He began putting this vivid imitation into drawings as early as 3rd grade. Characterizations of Godzilla and King Kong came easy for Baje.

Baje's trademark, a small folding chair, can be seen in some of his contemporary art work as a reminder of his youth. "I recall my parents bringing home a new card table with four metallic blue chairs. In the summer I would put my face on the seats because they were cool. I started to include the chair in my paintings because that's what I remember as a boy. Now I don't mind that people want to see the chair. The chair draws people into the painting as they try to find it."

Today, this artist who once sold small two by three inch water color paintings to employees of the Indian Health hospital in Tuba City, Arizona for ten dollars is now represented in fine art galleries and museums across the United States and Europe. Baje has illustrated two children's books and is the author/illustrator of a third. He is in constant demand to exhibit his work at national art festivals, as well as to teach his craft and philosophy to school age children via artist in residence programs.

Baje Whitethorne, winner of numerous awards and adulations over the past twenty years, is truly a southwest treasure.