About Me

Welcome to Persistence in Arts, where you will find my paintings and murals that I've created on canvases and road sides alike. My name is Daniel Josley owner operator of Persistence in Arts, born and raised in Shonto Arizona. I am Lokaa Dine (Reed People), Born for Toahani (Near The Water), My maternal grandfather is Naasht’eshi Tobaahi (Zuni Edge Water) and My paternal grandfather is Ta'chiin'nii (Red Running into Water).  

Growing up I was always artistic, it came natural to me, but I never thought it would become my passion. It started out as a simple drawing from memory than into a painting of my grandfather, a memory I can still bring back to life with my color pallet and brushes. I didn’t study or go to school for painting, I had found something I was good at and would explore it with everything I had.

Over the years I have developed my own style, I am known for my Horned Toad (Chei) paintings and stories, there have been stories told of Horned Toad time and time and again, the ones I tell are the ones of my childhood memories and new experiences. So stay tuned because the future holds a Children’s book I’m working of modern day Cheí traveling and telling his story.

Its been 9 years now, with 57 murals on and off the Navajo reservation, paintings that I’ve lost count of and a business I am proud to own, Persistence in Arts. So as of today I am a member of The Art of the People who have embraced me and helped me with being known and promoting my Art, The Painted Desert Project where I get the chance to work with Mural Artists from all over who taught me the steps to outdoor creations. Once, I was an Assistant to Shonto Begay on his Art camping trips with NAU. Words of wisdom that I take in every time I pick up a brush (Every mistake is an eye opener and a new direction. Respect the brush and everything will follow. Tomorrow is the beginning of the rest of my life. Respect yourself and your elders, teach with passion.

Good things happen to those who get out there and get what they want, making it happen right now and not later. I only got more and more involved each time I packed my art supplies and jumped on the road with ideas. It all starts with that first step, after that you just have to make your feet follow, so don’t wait for something to happen,…. Art doesn’t have a time and place.

I would like to thank the people who have helped me along the way. My wife and best friend Rally, who has put up with me and my crazy ideas all these years, my friend/brother and computer tech., designer of Persistence In Arts Website Casey Nez, my family, my friends, my clients and of course the circle I have built around my life, last and foremost My Kids, they continue to inspire me with each new breath they share around me.