Train up a Child

Elmer Yazzie is a Navajo Christian who was born in Shiprock, New Mexico. He uniquely uses watercolor brushes made from the yucca plant, a spiritually and religiously significant plant in the Navajo culture. His artwork features the styles and artistic expressions of the Navajo as well as his faith.

This piece was inspired by Proverbs 22:6.

Yazzie writes, “I believe the parents hold the strongest teaching position for their children. In this piece, the child is positioned between the parents. They are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses who support them in a variety of ways. The cradleboard behind the child shows that the parents want their child to grow up to be a hero for her community. Early morning light is on the left and evening light is on the right. Training up children is a constant commitment of love.”