Artist Statement
"My Subject matter is inspired by the Dine ("the People") landscape, animals and humor that define the Navajo Nation My Folk-art stylization started back in the early eighties Like many things in the eighties, many collectors thought it was a little crude, cartoon-like, or outlandish. Yet these whimsical characters bring to life to the paper. I took some time away from Indian Market to raise a family. It wasn't until my wife Michele asked me to do a painting for her that I returned to art. I drew a horse and didn't like where I placed it, so I decided to change its location. After becoming frustrated, I put away the painting and almost gave up. When I looked at the drawings for the painting, I noticed the traces of the horse stacked on top of another and I proceeded to add more horse to complete the composition"
Artist Biography
Anthony Chee Emerson is a Din'e artist based out of the Four Corners area of New Mexico. Emerson began his career as a professional artist in 1982 when he participated in the Santa Fe Indian Market and has continued exhibiting. Emerson has been the recipient of numerous awards and residencies for his artwork. Anthony Chee Emerson support and wife Michele have been married for 38 years
in 1998 Emerson started illustration, he has illustrated four Children's books, including How the Rattlesnake got its Rattle, My Horse, Songs of Shiprock fair and First Fire. Emerson is currently illustrating multi-cultural children book for AERDF.
In 2024 Emerson started Ma'ii Productions an animation company with its focus on Din'e Bizaad revitalization and bringing economic empowerment to San Juan County, Mckinley County and the Navajo Nation. Ma'ii Production has 6 animated series in development, Misadventure of the Muttonbert Sisters, Ma'ii Krew the Redemption, Indigenous Tribal Police, Ma'ii Biyaazhi and the Aunties.
Emerson studied art at a variety of schools, and graduated with an Associates of Arts degree from San Juan College in 2004. 
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