benjamin harjo, jr.

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Ben (Absentee Shawnee) was born in Clovis, New Mexico, in 1945, but from the age of ten he was raised by his Seminole grandparents on their farm outside Byng, Oklahoma. His first artistic inspiration came from comic books, which captivated him as a child. Determined to develop his talent, he taught himself to draw using Bridgman’s Complete Guide to Drawing from Life.

In 1963, at the age of seventeen, he discovered a brochure at the Indian clinic in Shawnee, Oklahoma, for the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Convinced that this was the place to pursue his dream of becoming a cartoonist, he set his sights on attending the school. Upon his arrival, however, he learned that the cartooning program had been discontinued. Disappointed but undeterred, he remained at IAIA and immersed himself in painting, printmaking, color design, and drawing under the guidance of Seymour Tubis. Tubis became both mentor and lifelong friend, introducing Ben to woodblock carving and hand-pulled prints. Printmaking soon became Ben’s preferred medium, offering him freedom for experimentation and opening his eyes to texture and pattern in every corner of life.

After graduating from IAIA in 1966 and serving a tour in Vietnam with the U.S. Army, Ben continued his studies at Oklahoma State University. There he worked under J. Jay McVicker and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.

Since graduating in 1974, Ben made his living as a self-employed artist. By 1982, he was able to support himself—though modestly—solely through his art. That same year, he married Barbara, who became not only his wife but also his partner in the art business. Together they shared a deep commitment to encouraging other artists, offering help and support whenever they could.

Ben and Barbara built their life together in Oklahoma City, where they remained until his passing in 2023.

IN THE STUDIO

The Art of Benjamin Harjo, Jr.

The art book was edited by Heather Ahtone, Victoria Rowe Berry, America Meredith, and Ashley Holland. First Americans Museum, in collaboration with the Oklahoma State University Museum of Art. The writing for every part of this project was filled with a great deal of care by America Meredith. The Artist Funds Foundation is not affiliated with the Museum and does not receive any funds from the purchase of the book.

You can purchase one of these great books featuring a collection of Ben’s work from the FAM bookstore.