The Call of the Canyon Description:
Often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world, Antelope Canyon has fascinated me from the first photo I ever saw of it to finally getting to behold its beauty in person this past summer.
Located near Page, Arizona by the LeChee Chapter of the Navajo Nation land, this 7.5 mile long slot canyon has two entrances: Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon. This sacred land was covered in sand dunes thousands of years ago and slowly, over time, the sand was compressed into sandstone, forming the slot canyons. Slot canyons are much deeper than they are wide and they have small openings that are barely visible on the surface. The distinctive curves and undulating lines that flow along the walls were formed during rainstorms and monsoons over the years. Water flowed into small openings of the canyons and created these intricate patterns. As a result, they are known by the Navajo Nation as “the place where water runs through rocks”.
The name “antelope” canyon comes from the herds of antelope that frequented the land many years ago. The slot canyons hold deep spiritual and religious significance to the Navajo Nation. Before a Navejo enters the canyon, they must pause to prepare their body, mind, and spirit so they enter with a sound and peaceful frame of mind. The Navejo Nation believe that antelope canyon is a gift from Mother Nature and symbolizes the idea that there are things much larger and greater than ourselves. An important reminder in a time where climate change, environmental issues, and natural disasters continue to plague the Earth at an alarming rate.
I had the opportunity to visit both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon and both were spectacular. My painting is based on a photo I took of Lower Antelope Canyon, looking up towards the sky. Lower Antelope Canyon is a V-based slot canyon (nicknamed “the Corkscrew”) and is very narrow along the surface. You must enter using a narrow and extremely steep staircase but what awaits you at the bottom is breathtaking.
Rich oranges and browns are illuminated by the sunlight and depending on the time of day, fiery reds, deep purples, and calming blues can also highlight the free-flowing lines of the sandstone.
While I have painted Antelope Canyon before based on the compilation of others’ photographs, I vowed I would not paint it again until I visited it myself and took my own photos. It was definitely worth the wait. These canyons have called to me for many years and to be able to stand in stillness and see their majesty firsthand was breathtaking. It was an honour to be present in this space and touch the walls that have brought me such visual peace and tranquility for so long. Antelope Canyon exemplifies what it means to experience art over time. Taking in the voluptuous curves of the walls and definitive lines was like bearing witness to Mother Nature’s own perfectly sculpted creation.
I am grateful to the Navajo Nation for sharing this true wonder with visitors and allowing us to share in its beauty. I’m so glad Mother Nature called to me, and even happier I was finally able to answer.