“Our Art Has A Place Here”: Carter Smallcanyon’s Thunderbird Sand Art Painting

May 30th, 2024 /
Spencer Tuinei /
News, Schools, Secondary Schools, Timpview High

Carter Smallcanyon, a Timpview High School student, has captivated his school and community with a framed sand art piece of a Thunderbird, Timpview’s revered mascot. The faculty plans to display the artwork in a central space at Timpview High School, accompanied by Carter’s written abstract on the Thunderbird.

The piece took two years of research and meticulous work and captures Carter’s vision of a Thunderbird, backed by culturally sensitive research, signifying something far more than a mascot, as you’ll find at the end of his interview.

From beadwork to metalwork to woodwork– and, most recently, sand painting– Carter enjoys exploring unique mediums. Often, his art is related to his native roots. The rarity of sand painting, especially on such a grand scale, drew him to this intricate art form.

Carter’s Thunderbird, for example, is infused with elements of Navajo mythology, drawing inspiration from other local native cultures in our state. Traditionally seen as a protector, Carter’s Thunderbird is depicted in bright colors—rich oranges and blues emblematic of Timpview—against a red sand background, symbolizing the Four Corners area, a central hub of the Navajo Nation.

“The main thing I drew on was that it’s a protector—it doesn’t bring the storm; it protects people from the storm,” Carter says.

Creating the Thunderbird was a painstaking process, akin to “painting with glue,” as Carter describes it. Each layer of glue and colored sand required painstaking application. He and the other students then carefully removed excess sand after each additional layer of sand. The project demanded patience and precision, with thicker, textured areas like the thunder contrasting against the more delicate lines of the bird’s body. Using innovative techniques, such as fashioning a straw to apply the delicate black outlines, is precisely why his piece stands out: meticulous attention to detail, meticulous attention to design, and meticulous execution of an idea.

Carter explained that he wanted to work with a medium that inherently plays with permanence and temporariness. He intentionally chose this art form to convey a more profound message through his work:

“My biggest hope is that it serves as a reminder that Native Americans are still here and that we leave an impact,” Carter explains. “We face a unique challenge: discrimination by omission. We’ve been called ‘the forgotten demographic.’ So, I want my art to remind students that our art has its place here.”

The Thunderbird sand painting holds many layers of meaning. It took two years to create this culturally significant piece, examining the ephemeral nature of sand art while striving to construct something lasting. This project is particularly poignant for a school situated on Native land with a Native mascot, a sometimes overlooked symbol.

It’s beautiful to think that one can see the echo of one’s efforts much later– and Carter’s efforts will undoubtedly ripple forward, affecting students who come in contact with his artwork for years to come.

Carter Smallcanyon’s legacy piece reminds us of our state’s cultural heritage. We will always cherish his contribution to our city and school district. We extend our gratitude to Carter for this impactful work.